WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Dave Reichert (R-WA) today released the following statements following the Trump Administration’s notification to Congress of its intent to initiate negotiations with Canada and Mexico regarding modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) under Section 105(a)(1)(A) of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015.

As Chairman Brady stated:

“President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer took an important step today to ensure our trade agreements improve the lives of American families and workers. The Administration’s NAFTA notification is welcome news, and Ways and Means Republicans are ready to continue work on this important process established under Trade Promotion Authority. 

“There is no question that NAFTA has been tremendously successful for American workers, farmers, and businesses. The United States enjoys a tremendous advantage through our NAFTA supply chain, for example, which allows us to partner with Canada and Mexico to create an integrated production base that improves our competitive edge against China and other competitors. However, it is time to update and improve this 20-year-old agreement to ensure that NAFTA continues to open more markets for American manufactured goods, agricultural products, and services and that it better reflects our needs in the 21st century.

“We look forward to working with the Administration to strengthen the agreement in a seamless way and ensure that we retain the current benefits for American workers, farmers, and businesses.” 

Chairman Reichert said:

“NAFTA has created great opportunities for American consumers, farmers, and businesses, but it has been decades since its signing, and it should be updated to reflect 21st century trade issues. With a seamless transition to an updated NAFTA, there is great potential for our agricultural producers, manufacturers, and services providers to sell more, expand, and create more good-paying jobs in Washington State and across the country. I look forward to working closely with the President, Ambassador Lighthizer, and my colleagues here in Congress to modernize NAFTA and strengthen our partnership with two of our close friends and allies.”