Nebraska leaders respond to Senate passage of USMCA

LINCOLN, Neb. — Governor Pete Ricketts issued the following statement upon ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by the U.S. Senate:

Today’s passage of USMCA by the U.S. Senate is a big victory for Nebraska and our ag producers,” said Gov. Ricketts. “It ensures Nebraska will have the opportunity to grow our relationship with Canada and Mexico, two of the most important markets for our ag products. I want to thank Senator Fischer, Senator Sasse, and our entire federal delegation for their successful work to deliver USCMA for our farmers and ranchers.

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer also released the following statement after Senate passed the USMCA:

Nebraska’s families, ag producers, and manufacturers depend on access to Canada and Mexico, our state’s two largest export markets. I am happy that Congress got this deal done and look forward to President Trump signing it, securing great opportunities for Nebraska.

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement:

The USMCA trade deal is a huge win for Nebraska agriculture. We've fought long and hard to get here. Nebraskans are tough and the past couple of years have been a hard slog. We don't give up. Our farmers and ranchers literally feed the world, and they do that through trade. This trade deal is going to help provide the stability to go strong. With the USMCA, our state is open for business. Nebraska is going to keep feeding the world.

Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen today congratulated the U.S. Senate on its ratification of the USMCA:

The passage of USMCA is a win for agriculture and Nebraska,” stated Secretary Evnen. “I applaud our USTR chief negotiators, President Trump, and our Nebraska representatives in Washington for the historic passage of USMCA.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said the following:

We’ve long waited for this day and now USMCA will finally head to the President’s desk. The passage of USMCA is great news for America’s farmers and ranchers. With Congressional consideration now complete, our farmers and ranchers are eager to see the President sign this legislation and begin reaping the benefits of this critical agreement. I thank President Trump and Ambassador Lighthizer for successfully delivering an improved and modern trade agreement and working so hard for the people of American agriculture to get this deal across the finish line.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau also released a statement:

This brings long-term stability to Nebraska agriculture markets with two of Nebraska’s most important trading partners. USMCA ensures Nebraska beef, pork, corn, and soybean producers will maintain essential access to Mexico and Canada markets that account for significant percentages of Nebraska’s overall international agricultural sales. USMCA also opens the door for greater purchases of Nebraska wheat, poultry, and dairy products, as well as modernizing other areas of this critical agreement.

The Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association issued statements regarding the approval.

Dan Nerud, president of the NeCGA and farmer from Dorchester said:

Ever since President Trump announced his intent to withdraw from NAFTA, one of our top priorities has been a modernized agreement that continues to have a positive impact on Nebraska agriculture.

David Bruntz, chairman of the NCB statement:

The fact that USMCA received overwhelming bipartisan support from the House of Representatives last month and overwhelming bipartisan support from the Senate today just emphasizes the importance of free trade with Canada and Mexico.Because of USMCA, Nebraska’s corn farmers and ethanol producers will continue to have access to our biggest and most dependable markets.