USMCA TRADE DEAL A BIG WIN FOR U.S. FARMERS, MANUFACTURERS AND ECONOMY, SAYS REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., a strong supporter of Donald Trump’s America First trade agenda, cheered the President’s signing of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) today. The trade deal replaces the outdated North American Free Trade Agreement, fulfilling a major promise the President made to promote free and fair trade.

    The USMCA solidifies the partnership among the United States’ closest trading partners, increasing our country’s negotiating position with others, explained the Congressman. “There’s no doubt this trade deal increased pressure on China to sign a Phase One deal with the United States,” said Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04), a member of the House Armed Services and Agriculture Committees. “It requires more auto parts be made in North America, a change that will continue the U.S. manufacturing resurgence.”

    “In the first two years of the Trump Administration, we created 500,000 manufacturing jobs, 500% percent more than the Obama Administration in its last two. We didn’t need a magic wand, as the former president claimed. We needed a better economic policy that includes lower income and business taxes, American energy production, and tough trade negotiations to stop outsourcing,” said Rep. DesJarlais.

    “It’s true allies and adversaries alike have been taking advantage of our generosity. The world is different that it was 50 years ago. There’s more competition. Under new, confident leadership, the United States is winning again.”

    The USMCA trade deal will result in 76,000 more automotive jobs, 176,000 total jobs, and an extra $68 billion in domestic economic activity, according to the United States Trade Representative. “This economy is already strong. Wages and incomes are rising above inflation, which has been low, despite experts’ predictions, and fuel prices are low. Unemployment is very low. Consumer confidence is high,” said Rep. DesJarlais.

     He said farmers in his home state stand behind the President. “The USMCA opens markets for wheat and dairy. Recent deals have also opened markets to Tennessee beef and poultry. The Phase One China deal will increase agricultural exports by many billions of dollars over 2017 levels,” explained Rep. DesJarlais. He noted the USMCA is the first U.S. trade deal to ease international commerce for small businesses, and his state is in a unique position to benefit.  

    “Tennessee is a manufacturing and agricultural powerhouse, where small business job and wage growth leads the nation,” he said. “For people wondering how long this great economy can continue, I think we’re just getting started.”

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