WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) released the following statement on the announcement of an update to the North American Free Trade Agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada:
“This new announcement caps nearly two years of needless uncertainty and unhelpful rhetoric on NAFTA from the Trump administration, which has been an obstacle for investment and job growth in our state. Any significant change to NAFTA must be approved by Congress, and I will be reviewing this proposed agreement to determine whether it will protect New Mexico’s vital trade relationship with Mexico and improve much-needed protections for workers and the environment.
“Mexico is New Mexico’s most important trading partner, and trade with Mexico has benefited our state’s economy and helps support thousands of New Mexicans’ jobs, particularly in our state’s border region. But the Trump administration’s chaotic approach to NAFTA and often hostile rhetoric toward Mexico have cast a cloud over New Mexico’s economic progress. I have always said that NAFTA can be seriously improved, and I hope that this agreement represents an administration that is turning the page to a more productive approach to trade with some of our most important allies. As Congress carefully examines this proposal, I will be fighting to ensure that any new trade agreement benefits New Mexico’s workforce and economy and includes enforceable protections for workers’ rights and for our environment.”
