Major Players Say Don't Worry About Almost-Too-Late Rhetoric on USMCA

Many Republicans in Congress have been accusing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of dawdling on ratifying the new NAFTA, and White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said that if it doesn't come to the floor of the House by the end of October, "I don't think we're gonna get it."

But Jesus Seade, who attended U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement trade talks for the current Mexican administration, told Mexican reporters that ratifying in January or February would work fine, if Pelosi gave the green light. He said that while the impeachment investigation is taking a lot of time and attention, he doesn't see it as an obstacle to ratification. Seade, who had just met with the U.S. trade representative, reiterated that Mexico is not interested in binational teams of inspectors visiting Mexican factories to determine if they are honoring labor rights. But he said Mexico is open to changes to the pact if they aren't contrary to Mexico's interests. He also tweeted after the visit, saying there have been significant advances in a path to ratification.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, speaking to reporters on a conference call Oct. 4., declined to criticize the House minority leader's and Senate majority leader's rhetoric on USMCA, but added, "I’m not anxious about Pelosi’s actions so far."