"We are moving with the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, making progress every day, I'm optimistic that we are still on a path to yes and that we will come to conclusion soon on that", Pelosi said.
Pelosi said the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump’s dealings with Ukraine is not affecting work on approving the USCMA trade deal. The speaker added that the timeframe of passing the trade deal has to do with coming to terms with lawmakers on the agreement.
Trump and the Republican leadership said they believe Pelosi is less likely to bring the USMCA trade deal for a vote amid the impeachment inquiry proceedings.
The USMCA trade agreement, which will replace the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), has already been ratified by the Mexican Senate. The United States and Canada have yet to ratify the agreement.
The USMCA covers auto and agricultural tariffs, intellectual property rights, labour standards and environmental protection, among other issues. The agreement must be ratified by the legislatures of each of the three signatory countries in order to take effect.