Arizona congressional delegation votes to advance USMCA to Senate

All members of Arizona’s U.S. House delegation Thursday voted in favor of legislation to implement the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement — called USMCA — a decision cheered by Arizona’s business community.

“We are deeply appreciative of the members of the Arizona congressional delegation — Republican and Democrat — who voted to strengthen Arizona’s ties between our leading trade partners Mexico and Canada,” said Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The state’s congressional delegation in 1993 also voted as a unified bipartisan bloc when Congress voted to implement the North American Free Trade Agreement, the precursor to USMCA, something Hamer urged the 2019 delegation to repeat.

“We thought it was very important for the state of Arizona to maintain that type of record,” Hamer said.

The House vote to implement USMCA was overwhelming: 385-41.

The Senate vote, which is anticipated to take place next month, is also expected to be definitive.

Members of the Arizona congressional delegation spoke out after the vote, calling it a “major win” for Arizona.

“Today, I am proud to finally vote ‘yes’ on USMCA,” said Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. “We have worked tirelessly to get this modernized trade agreement across the finish line, and while it took longer than we all expected, I am pleased to see the USMCA finally be passed to help strengthen our trading relationships a cross North America.”

Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., who has been a vocal proponent of USMCA, spoke on the House floor in favor of USMCA on Thursday.

“Those of us in border states understand the value of trading with our neighbors, and I can tell you that growing trade relationships with Mexico and Canada is essential to Arizona — and this new agreement will offer a big lift to our local companies,” Stanton said. “Today we have a real opportunity to cement certainty for job creators. From multinational companies to mid-sized and small businesses, from tech workers to farm workers, there’s no doubt that the new USMCA is a win for all Arizonans.”

Following the vote, Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., released a statement:

“The USMCA is a big win for the state of Arizona. Although I am disappointed it took Speaker Pelosi over a year to bring the USMCA to the floor for a vote, I am glad we could finally secure this victory for Arizona and the United States. Implementing the USMCA puts American workers first with 176,000 jobs, higher wages, and $68 billion in economic growth. I am proud to have supported the USMCA since before I was elected to Congress and today on the House floor.”