Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), a member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade and a member of the Democratic Working Group chosen by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to negotiate improvements to the new North American trade agreement, released the following statement today after House Democrats achieved substantial changes to the trade deal:

“A year ago, the Trump Administration delivered to Congress a deal that was unenforceable, inadequate and dead on arrival. House Democrats worked tirelessly to make transformative changes to the labor, environment, access to medicines, and enforcement provisions in the deal. I am particularly proud that we have made this agreement enforceable by fixing the state-to-state mechanism and adding an enhanced rapid-response enforcement mechanism for labor.

“At the end of the day, the Working Group demanded changes that would benefit American workers, and we delivered. Democrats are creating a paradigm shift around our country’s trade policy, especially for the benefit of Alabama workers, farmers and manufacturers. This is a big win for Alabama and will help ensure workers and industry are able to compete on a level playing field.

“I want to congratulate Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Neal, the Working Group and House Democrats on successfully negotiating a truly transformative trade agreement with Canada and Mexico. We have been laser-focused on legislating this Congress, and this new North American Trade Agreement is no exception.”

A fact sheet on the wins Democrats secured in the new North American trade agreement is available here.