Spanberger Meets with Deputy U.S. Trade Representative to Discuss USMCA Negotiations, Bring Concerns of Central Virginia Farmers & Businesses Directly to Administration

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger released the following statement after meeting with Deputy U.S. Trade Representative C.J. Mahoney to discuss the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the impact of ongoing trade negotiations on Central Virginia farmers and manufacturers.

“As the Representative for Virginia’s Seventh District, I know how important market stability is for Central Virginia’s farmers, manufacturers, and other businesses. As we continue to see tangible progress related to the USMCA, I’m emphasizing the vital role that trade with Canada and Mexico plays in maintaining good-paying jobs and economic growth in Virginia,” said Spanberger. “I’d like to thank Deputy Trade Ambassador Mahoney for meeting with me to discuss the USMCA and the needs of Central Virginians. During our discussion, I expressed my appreciation for the ways in which USMCA tries to improve upon NAFTA, including better labor and environmental standards and expanded market access for some of Central Virginia’s commodities — such as dairy. I also outlined my concerns about enforcement of new labor standards in all three countries and prescription drug provisions. I’m encouraged by Ambassador Mahoney’s commitment to working with Congress to address these concerns, and I look forward to continuing these conversations with the administration in the future.”

Mahoney serves as Deputy United States Trade Representative for Investment, Services, Labor, Environment, Africa, China, and the Western Hemisphere.

Spanberger serves on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee.