WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Over the weekend, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) led a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) on a two-day visit to Mexico City, Mexico, for the seventh round of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations. The delegation spent time meeting with the U.S. negotiating team and senior government officials from all three countries where they discussed the importance of delivering a new, modernized NAFTA.

While in Mexico City, Chairman Brady took a few moments with reporters to discuss the ongoing negotiations, potential steel and aluminum tariffs, and the importance of trade for American jobs and consumers.

On the Seventh Round of NAFTA Negotiations

“We had a very productive and I think encouraging visit here with members of the U.S. trade team, senior Mexican and Canadian officials, and the U.S. business community.” 

“We’re here because we’re committed to improving and modernizing NAFTA, and after this weekend’s discussion it’s clear there is a strong commitment on all sides to finalizing a new modern NAFTA that truly breaks down barriers between our … countries in modernizing this in a very positive way.”

“There’s a lot more work left to be done, but again I’m encouraged by the progress that was made at this round.”

On the Importance of NAFTA for American Workers and Businesses

“NAFTA connects customers to our American businesses and workers and connects them in a way that workers win, manufacturers win, farmers and ranchers win, our technology companies win and … more importantly consumers win most of all with … lower-priced goods.”  

“I’m more convinced than ever that NAFTA has been and will continue to be extremely important for our workers and jobs. We believe that there are big wins for the U.S. as well as Mexico and Canada in a modern agreement. In ways that translate into more jobs for each of us, bigger paychecks, and a North America that is more competitive against China and our foreign competition.”

On Steel and Aluminum Tariff and the Importance of Fair Trade

“… Mexico and especially Canada are big customers of American-made steel … I applaud the President for targeting unfairly traded steel and aluminum but unlike the tariffs that also sweep up fairly traded steel and aluminum, especially with trading partners like Canada and Mexico, they should be excluded from this tariff.”  

“… it’s important there be a quick and timely exclusion process for existing contracts as well as for individual business that can show that they’re being fairly traded.”