Courtesy of Congressman Jimmy Panetta’s Office:
Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) returned from Congressional Delegation trip to Mexico regarding important improvements to the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). While in Mexico, the members of Congress met with representatives from the Mexican Government as well as local workers.
The delegation met with President Andres Manuel López Obrador to learn more about his vision and commitment to the historic labor justice reform legislation passed earlier this year and the terms of the North American economic partnership. Congressman Panetta and his colleagues reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the USMCA meets the high standards for workers, the environment, access to affordable medicines, and enforceability that Americans, Mexicans, and Canadians deserve.
A primary focus of the members’ time in Mexico was to assess the nation’s ability to follow through on promised reforms and implement the legal, institutional, and cultural changes in accordance with Mexico’s laws and the renegotiated agreement’s requirements. The delegation also met with Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard as well as Secretary of Labor Luisa María Alcalde and Finance Secretary Arturo Herrera to examine the López Obrador Administration’s proposed budget and the funding allocated to implement the country’s labor reform law.
Members also took time to speak directly with Mexican workers and Mexican labor leaders about their experiences in the workplace and the labor protections and reforms they believe are most critical.
“Our meeting with President López Obrador allowed us to have a forthright discussion about improvements that can be made to the USMCA, and the importance of protecting both U.S. and Mexican workers,” said Congressman Panetta. “I appreciate today’s positive discussions and hope to see Mexico implement the substantial labor and enforcement reforms necessary to comply with its obligations under the agreement. I will continue to advocate for the strongest possible deal, one that gives certainty to our farmers and agriculture industry here on the Central Coast.”
In addition to Congressman Panetta, the members of the delegation included:
- Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA)
- Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ)
- Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI)
- Congressman Jimmy Gomez (D-CA)
