Strong Start to the New Season of Advocacy in Action

Here are some highlights:

Trade and tariffs are major areas of concern for our members, and this was addressed in terms of negotiations with China and of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). USMCA It is a free trade agreement between Canada, Mexico, and the United States.The agreement is sometimes referred to as "New NAFTA" in reference to the previous agreement it is meant to supersede, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Each country's legislature must ratify USMCA, and this has hit a roadblock in the U.S. Both U.S. Congressman discussed the amount that politics plays into the voting process, citing concerns that the roadblock is more about keep the President from getting a “win” than on concerns about the trade agreement. Congressman Upton reported that the Speaker ultimately decides what will be put up for a vote, and that they are hopeful it will happen soon.

Also discussed was the progress of trade negotiations with China and the tactics of trade negotiations. The tactics of imposing steel and aluminum tariffs was a tool used to negotiate the USMCA agreement. Similar tactics are being used with China, and we are seeing incremental progress. Last week China lifted the tariffs on soybeans and pork, which is a major win for the agriculture market in Michigan and across the U.S.

The Congressmen were asked to comment on the possible government shutdown and the federal budget process. Congressman Upton is confident that the budget will be resolved this week and a government shutdown will be avoided. Both Congressman discussed the need change the current budget system from a 1-year budget to a 2-year (to as much as 5-year, per Congressman Upton) to avoid this same uncertainty year after year. It would put an end to the pattern of continuing resolutions and give more time to audit the programs that are and are not working, and to appropriate funds more effectively.