WASHINGTON – After reworking and revision, the USMCA trade agreement has been passed by the US House of Representatives and will move on to the Senate for ratification early next year. The agreement facilitates the movement of products among the US, Canada and Mexico. The agricultural and meat and poultry industries lauded the House for passing the agreement.

US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom said, “USMEF applauds the House of Representatives for approving the implementing legislation for USMCA and the bipartisan effort by Congressional leaders and the Trump administration to bring USMCA to a House vote.

“Ratification of USMCA is an important step in solidifying trade relations with Mexico and Canada, which are critical destinations for US pork, beef and lamb. This agreement will bolster the United States' position as a reliable supplier to two leading markets that currently account for about one-third of all US red meat exports. We look forward to the Senate taking up this legislation as soon as possible and completing the ratification process.”

House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson and House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Chairman Jim Costa released the following statement: “We are encouraged by the House's strong bipartisan vote of 385-41 to approve USMCA. This is good news for farmers and ranchers, and we urge our Senate colleagues to take up the matter as soon as possible.”