Grassley Says USMCA Technical Fixes May Not Happen in 2020

Importers who use USMCA have been hoping for a technical fix bill so that merchandise processing fees can be refunded when post-entry claims are made, but the prospects of getting the bill done in the first six months of the treaty seem to be fading. “I haven’t had any discussions with [Oregon Democrat Sen. Ron] Wyden on this subject,” Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said of the committee's ranking member. He also said he doesn't know if there continues to be opposition to unanimous consent to the technical fixes.

Back in July, shortly after the USMCA took effect, politicians said action by September was possible (see 2007070056). But on Oct. 29, Grassley told International Trade Today that if the White House and Senate change hands in the election, “they may want to do it under their own timeline.” Grassley added that he doesn't think Donald Trump will lose or that Republicans will lose the majority.

Republicans would still control the Senate and Democrats would still control the House through the end of this year, and there's nothing to stop them from moving the bill, either through unanimous consent or by riding on an appropriations package in December, even if the majority were to change next year.