politics
Republicans Support Letting USMCA Lapse as Trade Talks Continue
Key congressional Republicans back a plan to let the USMCA trade agreement with Canada and Mexico lapse temporarily while negotiations proceed. Trade representatives will meet virtually and announce continued talks rather than a 16-year extension. The agreement is due for an extension on Wednesday.
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Key congressional Republicans support allowing the USMCA trade agreement with Canada and Mexico to lapse while talks continue, Semafor reported. The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s criticism of the deal he negotiated in his first term. Trade representatives are scheduled to hold a virtual meeting and announce afterward that they will pursue changes instead of extending the agreement as-is for another 16 years.
The current agreement is due for an extension on Wednesday. Rep. Adrian Smith, the Nebraska Republican who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee’s trade panel, told Semafor on Tuesday that the discussions are warranted.
He said the goal needs to be a stronger USMCA and that considerable support exists for that outcome. Smith added that he wants to keep an open mind about what can be achieved. He noted there is a path where Congress would not need to vote on the matter.
