Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) responds to the notification (attached) from the Trump administration that they intend to open trade negotiations with Canada and Mexico:

“Today, the administration indicated their intent to open North American trade negotiations. I am glad to see they finally agree with me that the best path forward is to update NAFTA, not dismantle it.

NAFTA has been a big success for Texas and the entire United States. Trade from NAFTA supports more than 1.5 million Texas jobs.

I hope the administration plans to negotiate in good faith with our friends Canada and Mexico. We have an opportunity to bring the deal into the 21^st century by looking at the work we did for the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. 

Throughout my time in Congress, I have been listening to business leaders and entrepreneurs on both sides of the border. I meet with the officials that manage our ports of entry, like in my home town of Laredo, to learn their needs and concerns. I have worked across the aisle with Republican colleagues like Senator John Cornyn and Congressman Kevin Brady, to defend NAFTA and prepare for a renegotiation.

If the Trump administration is sincere, I am more than ready to roll up my sleeves and work with them, to forge a deal that boosts American jobs.”