Impact of USMCA Passage Will Be 'Very Quick,' Pence Says

If the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is passed, its impact will be felt almost immediately, Vice President Mike Pence said, speaking to reporters in South Carolina on Aug. 27.

“We believe the impact of the USMCA will be very quick,” Pence said, calling on Congress to immediately pass the bill when it returns from its August recess. “It’s absolutely essential that Congress act.”

Pence said the bill will help U.S. exporters and “strengthen the president’s hand” during trade negotiations with the European Union, Britain after Brexit and China.

“We simply have to have trading relationships with countries around the world that put American workers and American agriculture first,” Pence said. “And whether it be Japan, whether it be the EU, whether it be our partners to the north and south, or whether it be China, we’re going to continue to drive the kind of trading relationship that truly is reciprocal.”

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Aug. 27 said he’s “optimistic” about the passage of USMCA. “I will be working diligently over the days and weeks that follow to convince every member of Congress -- House members, senators alike -- to support that,” Pompeo said. “That’ll be good for American workers, good for American farmers, and, frankly, good for global trade as well.” Pompeo was interviewed by the local ABC television affiliate station in Indianapolis before speaking to an American Legion gathering there.