DeLauro Statement on Congressional Notification of July 1 Entry into Force of Renegotiated NAFTA

WASHINGTON, DC — (April 24, 2020) Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement after United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer notified Congress of the Administration's intent to enter into force the renegotiated NAFTA on July 1.

"Today's announcement comes as the United States and our trading partners face an unprecedented public health and safety crisis due to COVID-19. Trade deals should always seek to protect the health and safety of workers and families over corporate bottom lines. As a member of Speaker Pelosi's House Trade Working Group on NAFTA renegotiation, I was proud to fight with my Democratic colleagues to secure changes to the Administration's original, deeply flawed agreement. The changes we secured—coupled with careful oversight during this implementation process—will ensure increased access to affordable medicines and enshrine labor standards and enforcement that protect worker rights amidst COVID-19."

"With the entry into force in July, Mexican and U.S. workers will gain new tools to enforce fundamental worker rights—such as collective bargaining and the right to freely organize. Reports have surfaced that workers in Mexico have continued working in factories even showing symptoms of COVID-19 and falling ill. The Mexican government's response to this crisis has left uncertainty for workers, who have been sent home without knowing whether or not they will receive their full salary. That is unacceptable. Now more than ever, the changes Democrats secured will have tangible impacts in the lives of workers across North America. The Mexican government must continue to comply with fully implementing the terms of the agreement and ensure they will not cut obligated funds toward achieving that end."

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