Why USMCA (NAFTA 2.0) has stalled

In an Aug. 1 guest column, Ashley Hinson, GOP candidate for US House District 1, failed to research why the USMCA (or NAFTA 2.0) has stalled.

First, Government representatives and researchers have mentioned the USMCA needs to be improved to include provisions to protect labor and provide stronger environmental protections. As it stands, it does not close loopholes on corporate polluters. The Center for International Law has stated, 'the USMCA would result in letting more corporations evade U.S. environmental policies by offshoring jobs, climate emissions, and toxic pollution. The agreement failed to require each country to adopt, maintain, and implement climate, conservation, labor, and human rights protection policies that fulfill the Paris Climate Agreement.” I hope that my fellow Iowans would want to close these loopholes and protect the climate.

Second, the Economic Policy Institute has stated, 'USMCA labor standards and enforcement remain weak. Wage suppression in Mexico will continue to provide incentives for corporations to outsource work to Mexico.” Is this what Hinson referred to as 'a win for the American worker?”

Third, members of the GOP, including Sen. Chuck Grassley, have argued that 'tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Mexico and Canada has jeopardized the trade agreement's prospects for approval.” Hinson failed to recognize President Donald Trump's role in jeopardizing it.

Lastly, Canada has yet to ratify. Without Canada the treaty is dead. Placing blame on the Democrats and U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer shows how misguided Hinson is.

Peggy Stover

Cedar Rapids