American farmers continue to push lawmakers in D.C. to approve the USMCA.  However, something the updated NAFTA agreement may be pushed down the road.  Earlier this week, Chuck Grassley suggested that a vote on USMCA could be delayed until next year, or potentially after the Presidential election in November 2020.  Central Washington’s Dan Newhouse says rural America cannot wait that long for the trade deal to be signed.

 

“To go without an agreement between two of our biggest trade partners, and I just too much at stake here to allow this to go on, for an extended period of time.”

 

Some have suggested trade talks with China and non-Ag issues will draw out any USMCA action.  However, Newhouse is confident that recent action by Mexico and Canada will make the agreement easier to approve.

 

“I think we can talk and chew gum at the same time. If the negotiators are focused on China a lot of the other things that we need to work on right here in Congress, we should be able to accomplish the USMCA regardless of how busy with China.”

 

Click Here to read Grassley’s comments on delaying the USMCA vote.

 

 

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com

More From PNW Ag Network