Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement on the trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada that will replace the North America Free Tree Agreement (NAFTA):

“I’ve long said we need to move from tariffs to trade agreements. I’m encouraged that Canada has joined us and Mexico to create a modern free trade agreement that expands markets for our exporters and further grows our economy. I look forward to reviewing this new agreement more closely to ensure it provides more opportunities for our farmers in Eastern Washington so they can sell their wheat, potatoes, and other crops. I will continue to work with the Administration to ensure that their interests are protected.”

Notes: Since March, Cathy has continued to speak with the administration regarding these across-the-board tariffs. On March 7, she joined in writing a letter to President Trump which said, “We are writing to express deep concern about the prospect of broad, global tariffs on aluminum and steel imports.  Because tariffs are taxes that make U.S. businesses less competitive and U.S. consumers poorer, any tariffs that are imposed should be designed to address specific distortions caused by unfair trade practices in a targeted way while minimizing negative consequences on American businesses and consumers.”

On March 26, Cathy wrote an op-ed in the Capital Press to again express her opposition to across-the-board tariffs and her support of increased urgency for new trade negotiations. You can read her full column by clicking here.

On July 2, Cathy welcomed Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to Eastern Washington. They met with local farmers and agribusiness leaders.

Again on June 11, she wrote a letter alongside representatives and senators from Washington state urging the administration to address tariff retaliation. In it the delegation said, “The impact of these retaliatory actions on Washington’s thriving agricultural industry would not only significantly affect the agricultural industry, but also workers, families, and small businesses throughout the state. We urge the Administration to make it a priority to negotiate a solution that shields our specialty crop growers from retaliatory actions in the form of tariffs or other barriers to trade. With cherry harvest beginning in the Pacific Northwest, time is of the essence for our growers.”

Additionally, you can find a snapshot of local coverage of Cathy’s advocacy for smart trade policies here:

• March 6, Spokesman-Review | Washington delegation takes stances against Trump tariffs
• March 23, Capital Press | Q&A: Trump trade tactics concern McMorris Rodgers
• March 27, Walla Walla Union-Bulletin | U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers addresses farm and trade at town hall
• April 5, Spokesman-Review | McMorris Rodgers: Trump should listen to Washington wheat farmers on tariffs
• May 4, Spokesman-Review | Farm groups, fearing a trade war, voice concerns to McMorris Rodgers
• June 1, Spokesman-Review | Tariff war could hit Washington state apple sales to Mexico
• June 27, CNBC | GOP House conference chair: Foreign investment update is important, but ‘I’m concerned about trade wars’
• July 2, Spokesman-Review | Interview with WA Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue