The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement passed in the House of Representatives on Thursday. The $1.2 trillion deal will be better for Americans than the North American Free Trade Agreement according to the Trump administration and House Democrats.
“USMCA is a welcome gift this holiday season, leveling the playing field for trade in North America and helping U.S. companies and the 12 million workers they employ compete in our top two export markets” said U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Thomas J. Donohue in a statement moments after the vote.
The bill is now set for the Senate, where Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said he will take it up after the impeachment trial for President Trump.
The agreement requires 75 percent of automobile components be manufactured in the United State, Canada, and Mexico in order to avoid tariffs. It also requires the around 45 percent of automobile parts be made by workers who earn a minimum of $16 per hour by the year 2023.
A big concern for House Democrats was the enforcement and the need to be sure Mexico is paying workers in auto plants an average of $16 an hour.
The USMCA Implementation Act passed with 385 yeas and 41 nays.