Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement regarding news that the United States and Mexico have reached a preliminary NAFTA deal, paving the way for Canada to rejoin negotiations:

"While this entire process could have been avoided without the dramatization and harsh rhetoric from the administration, which has created uncertainty for business and stifled growth, this preliminary deal presents us with the opportunity to modernize the trilateral agreement which has grown trade between the United States, Canada, and Mexico from $290 billion in 1993 to over $1.1 trillion in 2016. These numbers reflect what I have said all along: NAFTA is an integral part of our economy. Businesses large and small throughout the country simply cannot function in an environment of unpredictability. They rely on the stability, as provided by this treaty, to grow and remain competitive.

“Although this deal is a step in the right direction, there is still a lot of work to do before Congress votes on this agreement. Canada still must agree to U.S.-Mexico agreements that affect their interests, and there is significant trilateral ground to cover. We must solidify a deal that includes Canada, so that we can build upon the successes of NAFTA and strengthen trade relations with both partners. I ask that the administration quickly provide me with a detailed briefing, so that I remain engaged on this issue. I will continue work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers to make certain that the new U.S.-Mexico agreement continues to promote job growth and stimulate the economy, just as it has since its inception."