Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford thinks the new North American trade agreement approved by the Senate on Thursday is a winner. So does Sen. Jim Inhofe.
Lankford was one of the 89 Senators who voted for the measure while 10 others cast their votes against the trade deal now called the USMCA.
“Oklahoma agriculture, manufacturing and supply chains will all benefit from the revised trade agreement with Mexico and Canada,” said Sen. Lankford in a statement.
“This agreement will help Oklahoma consumers, workers and businesses,” he added. “The final product benefits Oklahoma agriculture, Oklahoma manufacturing and the intellectual property of Oklahomans and all Americans. We should continue to improve our trade relationships and agreements around the world and ensure U.S. interests remain at the forefront of our negotiations.”
Sen. Jim Inhofe missed the vote while visiting a sick relative back in Oklahoma. But in a statement from his office, he expressed his support for the agreement.
“I opposed the old NAFTA for good reason—it harmed American truckers and put our businesses at a disadvantage.”
He said the USMCA is an updated agreement reflecting the realities of the 21st century.
“We know that American farmers and ranchers have the best products and this deal ensures our producers have free and fair access to North American markets. The USMCA creates a level playing field for all and proves what I already knew—Oklahoma workers are winning under President Trump.”
Oklahoma Republican Congressman Tom Cole voted its approval in the U.S. House.
“USMCA goes beyond reinforcing the relationship we have with our North American neighbors. USMCA is a tremendous win for the American people – for millions of manufacturers, entrepreneurs, farmers and ranchers. I applaud President Trump for his dogged commitment to improving economic policies and delivering real benefits to American job creators, workers and consumers,” he wrote in an update to his constituents.
He was also interviewed on One American News and discussed the economic victories President Trump has delivered for the American people. Along with USMCA, that includes signing Phase 1 of a trade deal with China this week. Click here to watch the interview.
The measure heads to the President for his signature and replaces the 25-year old North American Free Trade Agreement known as NAFTA.
President Trump and supporters of the USMCA argued NAFTA might have removed many trade barriers but it also encouraged U.S. companies to move their manufacturing plants to Mexico where they could take advantage of cheap labor.
The agreement has already been approved by Mexico and Canada is expected to give its approval in the near future.