SIMPSON SUPPORTS USMCA

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson lauded passage of H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement. The agreement passed the U.S. House of Representatives today with a final bipartisan vote of 385-41.

“President Trump negotiated this agreement over a year ago and Speaker Pelosi refused to bring this legislation to the floor until now,” said Simpson. “Under USMCA, U.S. agricultural exports alone are expected to increase by more than $2 billion annually, further helping our economy. Idaho farmers and ranchers need fair, free trade to compete and this deal provides a level playing field.”

In addition to securing existing market opportunities, USMCA will provide enhanced market access for dairy, wheat, cattle, potatoes, sugar, poultry, and other agricultures products; establish modern, science-based sanitary and phytosanitary standards that are the gold standard for future trade agreements; and simplify customs procedures.

Voices of the agriculture industry across America have applauded the agreement.

“This holiday season will be a bit brighter for America’s dairy farmers as today’s vote brings us one step closer to finalizing USMCA and securing a more certain future for the dairy industry,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “Idaho’s dairy industry appreciates the work that Congressman Simpson has invested to ensure USMCA will provide expanded market opportunities and a more level playing field for dairy exports. Now we are counting on the Senate to act quickly and finalize USMCA in order to deliver its improvements to North American trade.”

“Trade is a vital part of the success of the cattle industry in the northwest,” said Idaho Cattle Association Executive Vice President Cameron Mulrony. “We welcome the passage of USMCA and the ability to trade cattle across our borders.”

“The American Sugar Alliance commends the White House and Congress for finalizing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and prioritizing free and fair trade for America’s farmers and ranchers. The successful ratification and implementation of USMCA will mark another stride in meeting this laudable goal, which is particularly important in today's difficult farm economy,” Randall Grant President, Idaho Sugar Beet Growers Association. “Our trade negotiators worked tirelessly and communicated diligently with our industry throughout the process of negotiating a modernized trade agreement. America’s domestic sugar producers appreciate their efforts to limit any adverse effect on our industry and we support passage of USMCA.”

“The successful implementation of the USMCA will send a strong signal to the rest of the world that valuable new trade agreements with the U.S. are possible,” said Kam Quarles, CEO of National Potato Council

“Idaho’s wheat and barley growers need access to international markets. Over half of Idaho’s wheat crop is exported - and Mexico is a significant market for Idaho’s high quality malt barley. Canada is Idaho’s top international designation for agricultural products,” Jamie Kress, wheat grower and President of the Idaho Grain Producers Association, from Rockland, ID. “Our relationships with international trading partners have taken decades to build and by passing the USMCA today in the House, we are showing our commitment to our trading partners.”

“IDA members have made investment in building export markets a top priority and it all starts with free and fair access to customers in other countries. We thank Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson for his support of the new USMCA,” said Rick Naerebout, Executive Director for Idaho Dairy Association. “This agreement adds certainty back to market access in two of our largest trading partner countries and IDA looks forward to working with our allies in the state to make the most out of this opportunity.”

“The Idaho Farm Bureau is pleased to see the House pass the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). This agreement will secure our valuable trade partnership with our nearest neighbors and set the stage for new deals that will level the playing field for Idaho farmers,” said Bryan Searle, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation President. “This new trade deal secures the market opportunities previously developed in NAFTA; however, the USMCA builds on those trade relationships in several key areas.”

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