Lighthizer Meets With Democrats on USMCA

Labor issues, not surprisingly, were one of the key topics raised by Democrats during their session Wednesday with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer relative to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement. Concerns that Mexico will not adopt more-stringent labor provisions linked to USMCA were evident, with several expressing doubt about Mexico putting in place those reforms. "We are not there yet," said Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J. "Mexico has to make some moves beforehand, to show good faith. We need that, first of all. If they do not act, there is no chance of getting the votes." Lighthizer told lawmakers that the implementing legislation for the deal would be key in addressing the enforcement concerns also raised by Democrats. Plus, he also warned against reopening the trade deal as some lawmakers want, cautioning that the new administration in Mexico under President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador could seek significant changes in areas of the pact that have already been agreed to. Demands by progressive Democrats may also become an issue, according to House Ways & Means Committee Ranking Member Kevin Brady, R-Texas, referencing their call for biologic drug provisions to be changed, labor reforms, enforcement of labor provisions and concern over provisions allowing oil and gas companies to use an investor-state dispute settlement process for investments in Mexico. Other Democrats hailed the fact Lighthizer was willing to meet with them, labeling him more accessible than his predecessors. Perhaps importantly, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., said Lighthizer was "listening" to Democrats and said "We want to get there" relative to USMCA.