U.S. Sen. Tom UdallU.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Tom Udall voted to confirm Robert Lighthizer as United States Trade Representative after Udall secured a commitment from Lighthizer to oppose unilateral withdrawal from NAFTA by the Trump administration.
Earlier this week, Udall wrote to Lighthizer seeking assurances that he would be a voice of reason to help protect the thousands of New Mexicans who rely on trade made possible by NAFTA, given President Trump’s reckless rhetoric and dangerous policy proposals that already have damaged the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship. In a meeting with Udall, Lighthizer pledged to give special consideration to New Mexico and U.S. companies that depend on NAFTA in any renegotiation. Udall released the following statement:
“When I visit border communities and businesses in New Mexico, I hear the same concerns over and over: President Trump’s threats to tear up NAFTA and his hostile rhetoric toward Mexico are hurting border economies and damaging our relationship with New Mexico’s most important trading partner. I was glad to secure a commitment from Mr. Lighthizer that he will oppose the unilateral withdrawal from NAFTA proposed by the president. Mr. Lighthizer pledged to me that he would give greater consideration to U.S. businesses — many of which are based in New Mexico’s border region and support the livelihoods of thousands of New Mexicans – in any renegotiation of NAFTA. I was also heartened to hear Mr. Lighthizer acknowledge the deeply damaging consequences of President Trump’s repeated and ridiculous demands that Mexico pay for his unnecessary wall along the southern border.
“I have never been a rubber stamp for trade agreements, and I will always stand up for New Mexico and American workers. The fact is that thousands of New Mexicans depend on trade opportunities generated by NAFTA – and our border region is one of the bright spots in our state’s struggling economy, bringing in manufacturers, businesses, and jobs, and providing a gateway for tourists, students, livestock and agricultural products. Every time President Trump raises the specter of a trade war with Mexico, or makes a reckless statement about his plans to tear up NAFTA, or repeats his insulting demands for Mexico to pay for a border wall, it’s a blow to our state’s border economy.
“I will hold Mr. Lighthizer to his commitments, and I will oppose any changes to NAFTA that would undermine our critical trade relationship and friendship with Mexico—changes that require congressional approval. Now that he has been confirmed, I invite Mr. Lighthizer to visit New Mexico’s border communities, so he can see firsthand how border economies are thriving – and how President Trump’s reckless approach to NAFTA threatens that success.”
In his letter to Lighthizer earlier this week, Udall wrote seeking “assurances and information about the Trump administration’s plans regarding the status of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The president has used extremely unusual negative rhetoric regarding NAFTA, including threats to unilaterally withdraw, creating uncertainty that is damaging to U.S. businesses and particularly difficult for the thousands of New Mexico families whose livelihood depends on exporting to Mexico, cross border trade, and the associated economic impacts.”
“Recently, I met with community and business leaders in the border region of New Mexico and heard firsthand how the confusing and contradictory remarks from the administration have already caused chaos and uncertainty in our business community, with investment decisions on hold, threatening to worsen our state’s already weak economic situation,” Udall continued in the letter. “This type of brinksmanship, ambiguity, and indecision is highly unlikely to benefit the United States in our trade negotiations with our closest partners, and these tactics fail to consider the substantial impact on American businesses and workers.”
The full text of the letter is available below and here.
