The United-States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement (USMCA) on Thursday was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in a bipartisan 385-41 vote, with all of Alabama’s House members voting to support the Trump administration’s trade deal that would replace NAFTA.
The agreement still needs to be approved by the U.S. Senate, and both other countries involved in the deal are going through their respective approval processes as well.
The trade deal is heavily supported by key industries in Alabama, including agriculture and manufacturing.
In a tweet on Thursday, the Alabama Farmers Federation thanked the seven members of the state’s House delegation for their support.
RELATED: Birmingham CEO calls on Congress to quickly ratify Trump’s historic USMCA trade deal
Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) has been one of the most vocal supporters in Congress of Trump’s trade deal.
In a statement Thursday after the vote, Aderholt said, “I was proud to cast a vote in support of legislation to implement the upcoming USMCA Trade Agreement. This agreement has been a signature priority of the Trump administration, modernizing the 25-year-old NAFTA to make improvements supporting continued economic growth and American jobs.”
“This agreement made significant improvements for the state of Alabama with important provisions benefitting the interests of workers, farmers, and businesses in the agriculture and automotive industries,” he explained.
“Alabama is the nation’s second largest poultry producing state and I’m glad the Trump administration was able to secure language that will open Canadian markets for our poultry and egg producers,” Aderholt outlined. “Auto provisions in the agreement will now require more goods and materials to be manufactured in the United States, and that’s good for Alabama workers. Both of these provisions are tremendous news for the state of Alabama.”
The dean of Alabama’s House delegation concluded, “President Trump and Ambassador Lighthizer have fulfilled their promise to rebalance and modernize our trading relationship with two of our largest trading partners and deliver a high-standard trade deal. I am proud to support this effort as I continue working with this administration to push for improved relationships with our trading partners and a stronger American economy.”
BIG NEWS: the House just passed #USMCA! This is a big win for all of our country’s hard workers & for the state of Alabama. pic.twitter.com/Iw8AAuoQ4e
— Rep. Martha Roby (@RepMarthaRoby) December 19, 2019
Congressmen Bradley Byrne (AL-01) and Mike Rogers (AL-03) also released statements.
Byrne’s statement as follows:
Alabama scored a major victory today with the long-overdue House passage of USMCA. This trade deal strengthens relationships with two of Alabama’s largest trading partners and will benefit businesses and industries large and small throughout the state, particularly in our agriculture, automotive manufacturing, steel, energy and high-tech sectors. And with the continued growth at the Port of Mobile, Alabama stands to benefit more than most.
Many pundits said renegotiating NAFTA couldn’t be done, but President Trump proved them wrong and scored a major victory for working Americans.
Roger’s statement as follows:
I was thrilled to see this important piece of legislation finally be brought to the House Floor. The USMCA is a win for all Americans and I want to thank President Trump for his leadership on this important trade agreement.
Alabama’s economy will continue to soar under the USMCA, especially when it comes to our agriculture and automobile industries. I am pleased we finally got something done this Congress that will help folks across East Alabama and America.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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