Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath’s Bat-Biting Frontman, Dies at 76, BBC Reports

3 hours ago

What’s Fresno County Worth? Property Tax Roll Grows by Billions of Dollars

5 hours ago

Fresno County Authorities Seek Help Locating Missing Woman and Infant

5 hours ago

Maddy Institute Fundraiser to Highlight Central Valley’s Impact at State Capitol

5 hours ago

No Aid Supplies Left and Staff Are Starving in Gaza, Says Norwegian Refugee Council

6 hours ago

US Targets Houthis With Fresh Sanctions Action

6 hours ago

Oil Prices Fall as Tariff Deadline Looms

6 hours ago

US Justice Dept. Asks Epstein Associate Maxwell to Speak to Prosecutors

6 hours ago

Trump’s Golden Dome Looks for Alternatives to Musk’s SpaceX

6 hours ago

Fresno Unified’s Free Immunization Clinics for Students Start in August

8 hours ago
Trump Administration, Democrats Make Progress on New NAFTA
gvw_ap_news
By Associated Press
Published 6 years ago on
July 30, 2019

Share

WASHINGTON — Congressional Democrats appear to be moving from “no way” to “maybe” on President Donald Trump’s rewrite of a trade pact with Canada and Mexico.
House Democrats have met four times with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, most recently on Friday, and both sides say they are making progress toward a deal that would clear the way for Congress to approve Trump’s U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA.
Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, who heads a House subcommittee on trade, declared a couple of months ago that there was “no way” Democrats and the administration could bridge their differences. Lately, he’s reconsidered. “In the course of the last two months, we have seen significant progress,” Blumenauer said.
Negotiators so far have not offered details on where they’re making progress. Democrats want the agreement to include stronger protections for workers and the environment. They also are seeking to jettison a provision they see as a giveaway to big pharmaceutical companies.
Talks could still fall apart. Meetings between congressional staffers and officials from Lighthizer’s office during Congress’ August recess could prove critical. House Democrats working on USMCA will submit text next week to the administration “memorializing the concrete and detailed proposals that we have made.”
They called on the administration to do the same.

Supporters of USMCA Pushing for Deal

“It is time for the administration to present its proposals and to show its commitment to passing the new NAFTA and delivering on its own promises,” the Democratic lawmakers said.

“The smart money in Washington is that USMCA will pass this fall following a bargain. However, it is just as likely that we will be in a ‘bump and blame’ scenario where the president can blame Speaker Pelosi and Speaker Pelosi can blame the president.” — Daniel Ujczo, a lawyer with Dickinson Wright in Columbus
Supporters of USMCA are pushing for a deal before the 2020 election campaign heats up, which could make it harder for Democrats and Republicans to compromise.
A senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said there was growing optimism within the administration about USMCA’s prospects amid signs that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was willing to work toward a compromise.
“The smart money in Washington is that USMCA will pass this fall following a bargain,” said Daniel Ujczo, a lawyer with Dickinson Wright in Columbus, Ohio, who specializes in North American trade. “However, it is just as likely that we will be in a ‘bump and blame’ scenario where the president can blame Speaker Pelosi and Speaker Pelosi can blame the president.”
By ratifying the agreement, Congress could lift uncertainty over the future of U.S. commerce with its No. 2 (Canada) and No. 3 (Mexico) trading partners last year and give the U.S. economy a modest boost. U.S. farmers are especially eager to make sure their exports to Canada and Mexico continue uninterrupted.
Rep. Cheri Bustos of Illinois, who oversees efforts to get Democrats elected to the House, said Pelosi “understands the sense of urgency” about USMCA among some lawmakers who represent rural districts.
“The hope is that we can get to a yes,” Bustos said. “But first and foremost, it has to look out for working men and women in our country.”
The USMCA is meant to replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, which eliminated most tariffs and other trade barriers between the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Critics — including Trump, labor unions and many Democratic lawmakers — called NAFTA a job killer for America because it encouraged factories to move south of the border, take advantage of low-wage Mexican workers and ship products back to the U.S. duty free.

Democrats Say It Still Doesn’t Go Far Enough

Lighthizer last year negotiated a do-over with Canada and Mexico. But it requires congressional approval.
He sought to reach a deal that would win over Democrats. It includes provisions designed to nudge manufacturing back to the United States. For example, it requires that 40% to 45% of cars eventually be made in countries that pay autoworkers at least $16 an hour — that is, in the United States and Canada and not in Mexico.
But Democrats say it still doesn’t go far enough.
Democrats are also lined up against a provision of USMCA that gives pharmaceutical companies 10 years’ protection from cheaper competition in a category of ultra-expensive drugs called biologics, which are made from living cells. Shielded from competition, critics warn, the drug companies could charge exorbitant prices for biologics.
But supporters note that the U.S. already gives biologics 12 years of protection (versus eight years in Canada and five in Mexico). They also argue that pharmaceutical companies need an incentive to develop the drugs before copycat competitors sweep into the market and siphon away profits.
Congress is supposed to give trade agreements an up-or-down vote, no amendments allowed.
The reality is different. Despite those so-called fast-track provisions, Congress has managed to pressure past administrations into making changes to the last four U.S. free-trade agreements before approving them.

Trump Repeatedly Threatens to Withdraw From NAFTA

The trade pact picked up some momentum after Mexico in April passed a labor-law overhaul required by USMCA. The reforms are meant to make it easier for Mexican workers to form independent unions and bargain for better pay and working conditions, narrowing the gap with the United States.

Labor, environmental and other activist groups last month declared a “No Vote Until NAFTA 2.0 is Fixed” day and collected 300,000 signatures on petitions demanding changes to the trade pact.
Mexico ratified USMCA in June. But Democrats are also watching whether Mexico budgets enough money later this year to provide the resources needed for labor reform.
In Washington, lawmakers are getting pressure from all sides. Business and farm groups want the new deal approved as soon as possible.
“Getting this done is our top policy priority,” Thomas Donohue, chief executive of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, told reporters last week.
Meanwhile, labor, environmental and other activist groups last month declared a “No Vote Until NAFTA 2.0 is Fixed” day and collected 300,000 signatures on petitions demanding changes to the trade pact.
“The only way forward is making the fixes,” said Lori Wallach, director of Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch.
Trump has repeatedly threatened to withdraw from the existing NAFTA — it remains in effect — if Congress won’t OK his version. But analysts say that pulling out of NAFTA would squeeze automakers and farmers. Farmers are already hurting from Trump’s trade war with China, which has imposed tariffs on soybeans and other U.S. agricultural products in retaliation for U.S. import taxes.
“The president knows that his voters here in the heartland and manufacturing Midwest cannot take another hit — we hope,” Ujczo said.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Ashjian Nears Reinstatement to Measure C Committee Amid Dispute Over Mass Transit Claims

DON'T MISS

Fresno Shooting Leaves One Dead, Authorities Looking for Witnesses

DON'T MISS

Epstein Files Fight Leads US House Republicans to Start Summer Break a Day Early

DON'T MISS

Obama Reiterates Conclusion of Attempted Russian Interference in 2016 Election

DON'T MISS

What Do Fresno Families Pay in Taxes? Study Says 11th Lowest Rate in Nation

DON'T MISS

Trump Says Received $16 Million Payment After Paramount Lawsuit Settlement

DON'T MISS

Farming Giant Boswell Silent as It Plans to Sink Tulare Lake Bed Another 10 feet

DON'T MISS

Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath’s Bat-Biting Frontman, Dies at 76, BBC Reports

DON'T MISS

NPR’s Top Editor Edith Chapin to Step Down

DON'T MISS

Trump Says US, Philippines ‘Very Close’ to Finalizing Trade Deal

UP NEXT

Obama Reiterates Conclusion of Attempted Russian Interference in 2016 Election

UP NEXT

NPR’s Top Editor Edith Chapin to Step Down

UP NEXT

Less Than 400 EV Charging Ports Built Under $7.5 Billion US Infrastructure Program

UP NEXT

California Voters Say State Is Off Course. Housing Emerges as Top Concern

UP NEXT

Fresno County Authorities Seek Help Locating Missing Woman and Infant

UP NEXT

Americans’ Confidence in Institutions Remains Low. Divides by Party Widen

UP NEXT

US Judge Sentences Ex-Police Officer to 33 Months for Violating Civil Rights of Breonna Taylor

UP NEXT

Brother of Army Ranger and NFL Star Pat Tillman Crashes Into Post Office

UP NEXT

How Will KVPR and Valley PBS Deal With Loss of Federal Funding?

UP NEXT

Trump Diagnosed With Vein Condition Causing Leg Swelling, White House Says

Obama Reiterates Conclusion of Attempted Russian Interference in 2016 Election

1 hour ago

What Do Fresno Families Pay in Taxes? Study Says 11th Lowest Rate in Nation

2 hours ago

Trump Says Received $16 Million Payment After Paramount Lawsuit Settlement

2 hours ago

Farming Giant Boswell Silent as It Plans to Sink Tulare Lake Bed Another 10 feet

3 hours ago

Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath’s Bat-Biting Frontman, Dies at 76, BBC Reports

3 hours ago

NPR’s Top Editor Edith Chapin to Step Down

3 hours ago

Trump Says US, Philippines ‘Very Close’ to Finalizing Trade Deal

4 hours ago

US to Mediate Israel-Syria Meeting on Thursday, Axios Reports

4 hours ago

Students Protest in Bangladesh After Air Force Jet Crash Kills 31, Mostly Children

4 hours ago

Trump Blames Obama for What He Calls 2016 Attempt to Tie Him to Russia

4 hours ago

Ashjian Nears Reinstatement to Measure C Committee Amid Dispute Over Mass Transit Claims

Brooke Ashjian may soon be reinstated to a Measure C advisory committee. Ashjian was removed from the steering committee after making “...

14 minutes ago

Measure C Transportation tax fresno Brooke Ashjian Highway 41
14 minutes ago

Ashjian Nears Reinstatement to Measure C Committee Amid Dispute Over Mass Transit Claims

Kuvar Kumar, 33, was shot and killed Monday, July 21, 2025, evening while arriving home in northwest Fresno, and police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the shooter. (Fresno PD)
16 minutes ago

Fresno Shooting Leaves One Dead, Authorities Looking for Witnesses

FILE PHOTO: A view shows the dome of the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 3, 2025. REUTERS/Umit Bektas/File Photo
1 hour ago

Epstein Files Fight Leads US House Republicans to Start Summer Break a Day Early

Former U.S. President Barack Obama attends the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Reuters File)
1 hour ago

Obama Reiterates Conclusion of Attempted Russian Interference in 2016 Election

2 hours ago

What Do Fresno Families Pay in Taxes? Study Says 11th Lowest Rate in Nation

Paramount Global logo is seen in this illustration taken December 17, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
2 hours ago

Trump Says Received $16 Million Payment After Paramount Lawsuit Settlement

3 hours ago

Farming Giant Boswell Silent as It Plans to Sink Tulare Lake Bed Another 10 feet

Commonwealth Games - Closing Ceremony - Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, Britain - August 8, 2022 Ozzy Osbourne performs during the closing ceremony REUTERS/Hannah Mckay/File Photo
3 hours ago

Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath’s Bat-Biting Frontman, Dies at 76, BBC Reports

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend