Trade

It's Pronounced OOH-Smih-Kuh

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The same morning House Democrats announced two articles of impeachment against President Trump, they also reached an agreement with the White House to push forward with USMCA, the North American trade deal replacing Nafta. That’s like hugging someone right as you knee them in the crotch.  Why do Democrats support USMCA? Because...it almost looks like a Democrat wrote it, especially the sections that enforce tougher labor standards.  Even the AFL-CIO, a leading federation of unions that initially held its nose at the deal, came around following recent revisions: “There is no denying that the trade rules will now be fairer,” President Richard Trumka said.  The backstory: The OG Nafta was a landmark 1994 free trade deal signed by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. It had critics and defenders, but lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agreed it was time for a 21st century paint job. That time came yesterday afternoon when representatives from Canada, Mexico, and the Trump administration signed the new agreement.  Looking ahead...Congress will vote on the deal starting next week. + Pop quiz: What does USMCA stand for? (Answer at bottom.).