NEBRASKA - Officials are speaking out after the an agreement was reached In the important USMCA trade agreement.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement:
“USMCA is a big win for American workers and the economy, especially for our farmers and ranchers. The agreement improves virtually every component of the old NAFTA, and the agriculture industry stands to gain significantly,” said Secretary Perdue. “President Trump and Ambassador Lighthizer are laying the foundation for a stronger farm economy through USMCA and I thank them for all their hard work and perseverance to get the agreement across the finish line. While I am very encouraged by today’s breakthrough, we must not lose sight – the House and Senate need to work diligently to pass USMCA by Christmas.”
Governor Pete Ricketts stated:
“Congratulations to President Trump on securing bipartisan support for his historic USMCA deal.The President and his team have tirelessly worked to build bipartisan support for it in Congress.Approval of this trade agreement will expand opportunities for Nebraska’s farm families, and we look forward to its final approval.”
U.S. Senator Ben Sasse also released a statement:
“It’s about dang time and it took a messy fight, but here’s the great news: we’ve earned a win for Nebraska farmers and ranchers.
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement:
“After much negotiation, I am pleased to hear that the Trump administration and House Democrats have reached a deal on USMCA. This is a major step toward finalizing this important trade agreement for Nebraska agriculture, businesses, and manufacturing. It is time for Congress to get this deal done and help bring certainty to our farmers and ranchers.”
Congressman Jeff Fortenberry issued the following statement:
“After months of negotiations, a tentative understanding has been reached that will hopefully enable passage of the United States, Mexico, and Canada trade agreement––the USMCA. This would be a great deal for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers, while ensuring the continuity of strong labor and environmental standards throughout the three-nation trading zone,” Fortenberry said. “The deal is scheduled for a House vote next week. I will vote for it,” Fortenberry added.
Steve Nelson is the president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation and said this is a long time coming.Nelson says, "While our farm and ranch families have waited far too long for this good news, we are pleased a deal has finally been reached on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. This is a crucial step forward in bringing long-term stability to Nebraska agriculture markets with two of Nebraska’s most important trading partners. USMCA ensures Nebraska beef, pork, corn, and soybean producers will maintain essential access to Mexico and Canada markets that account for significant percentages of Nebraska’s overall international agricultural sales. USMCA also opens the door for greater purchases of Nebraska wheat, poultry, and dairy products, as well as modernizing other areas of this critical agreement. We expect and urge swift action by the House and Senate to seal the deal on USMCA before the holidays.”
Photo courtesy of USDA.