April 1, 2025
Mr. Costa (for himself, Mr. Stanton, Mr. Kennedy of New York, Mr. Quigley, Mr. Liccardo, Mr. Carbajal, Mr. Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, Mr. Gray, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. McGovern, and Ms. McCollum) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
Expressing the sense of Congress that Trump administration tariffs on Mexico and Canada are in violation of the United States of America-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Whereas the United States, Mexico, and Canada entered into the North American Free-Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on January 1, 1994, creating a free trade zone in North America;
Whereas NAFTA established the largest free trade area resulting in economic growth and prosperity in North America;
Whereas the United States of America-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was signed into law on January 29, 2020;
Whereas President Donald J. Trump stated on January 29, 2020, that The USMCA is the largest, most significant, modern, and balanced trade agreement in history. All of our countries will benefit greatly.
;
Whereas USMCA highlights include creating a more level playing field, strengthening food and agriculture trade in North America, supporting a 21st century economy, and protecting and enhancing digital trade;
Whereas trade between the United States and Canada has resulted in an estimated $762,100,000,000;
Whereas trade between the United States and Mexico has resulted in an estimated $839,900,000,000;
Whereas the USMCA supports over 17,000,000 jobs;
Whereas the unclear tariff policies of the Trump administration cause uncertainty and create chaos for consumers and the business community, harming the United States economy;
Whereas President Donald J. Trump announced on February 1, 2025, that 25-percent tariffs will be added on imports from Canada and Mexico which are set for April 2, 2025;
Whereas 25-percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico threaten to undermine the USMCA; and
Whereas 25-percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico undermine free and fair trade and are in violation of the agreement: Now, therefore, be it
Sec.
That—
(1)
it is the sense of Congress that Trump administration tariffs on Mexico and Canada are in violation of the United States of America-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA); and
(2)
Congress recognizes strong support—
(A)
amongst the various sectors who recognize the vital importance of the USMCA;
(B)
for the elimination of longstanding unwarranted nontariff trade barriers through an effective and efficient dispute settlement process; and
(C)
for the 2026 review process to move forward.