Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced that the United States is taking enforcement action against Mexico for undermining the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) trade commitments. Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03), Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), and Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) released the following statements. 

“Over the past year, I have repeatedly sent letters urging the Biden Administration to hold Mexico and Canada accountable for their trade commitments through USMCA,” said Rep. Arrington. “I commend Ambassador Tai for stepping up and sending a signal to our trading partners in North America that we are committed to fair trade and holding our counterparts accountable for their part of the deal.” 

“Today’s announcement is a critical step in the right direction towards protecting American farmers and rural communities,” said House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith. “For more than two years while Democrats controlled Congress, the Biden Administration didn’t do enough to challenge Mexico’s ban on American corn. Ways and Means Republicans will continue pressing the Biden Administration and the Government of Mexico to come into compliance with its USMCA obligations.”

“While this is welcome news, it should have happened sooner. Rep. Arrington and I sent a bipartisan letter with other Ways and Means Committee members demanding the administration take action last year. Nonetheless, this is an important step toward formal dispute consultations. We must hold our trading partners to their commitments and lead from a position of strength. I hope this is an inflection point for the administration and marks movement toward a more aggressive and proactive trade agenda across the board.” said Rep. Adrian Smith.

“I am glad the U.S. Trade Representative has decided to stand up for American interests and enforce the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Ending imports of nearly all American corn into Mexico is a clear violation of President Trump’s historic trade agreement, which was designed for the mutual economic benefit of both Mexico and the United States. This shortsighted decision by Mexico would not only hurt American farmers and the rural economies they support, but it would also endanger Mexican citizens’ access to safe, affordable food products, further perpetuating food insecurity issues. The Mexican government must understand that its actions have consequences, and we urge them to reverse this decision immediately. As the Representative of one of the top agricultural districts in the country, I will continue to stand up for American farmers and hold our trade partners accountable." said Rep. Jackson.   

"We cannot have free trade, unless we have fair trade. The days of our producers, businesses, and people being harmed by nations who flagrantly violate trade agreements and use unfair trade practices need to be ended. Our response to Mexico's violations of the USMCA must be swift, decisive, and ensure the trade agreement is being fully respected to the mutual benefit of both our nations." said Rep. Van Duyne. 

"Our trading relationship with Mexico is vital to Texas farmers. I am pleased to see the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative take a stand for Texas and American agriculture by stepping up and enforcing USMCA commitments. It’s imperative that we hold Mexico accountable to our agreement and it’s my hope that this will be resolved swiftly.” said Rep. De La Cruz. 

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