DES MOINES, Iowa -- Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann released the following statement on the implementation of the USMCA:

“Thanks to the hard work of President Trump, Senators Ernst and Grassley, Governor Reynolds, and Secretary Naig, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement officially goes into effect today. This renegotiated trade deal is a huge win for Iowa farmers and manufacturers -- showing us how important it is to have a president in the White House who keeps his promises to the American people.

“But Iowans won’t forget Democrats like Cindy Axne and Abby Finkenauer stalled this agreement for over a year, leaving Iowa farmers and small businesses in limbo, while the two congresswomen wasted months pursuing their bogus impeachment witch hunt. It didn't take long for Reps. Axne and Finkenauer to become part of the D.C. Swamp problem. Iowans will remember in November, and effective leaders like Ashley Hinson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, David Young, and Randy Feenstra will work towards solutions like the USMCA instead of obstructing and resisting at every turn.”

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Background on the potential impact of the USMCA:

• Create 176,000 jobs in the U.S.

• Boost U.S. GDP by $68.2 billion

• Exports to Canada and Mexico, Iowa’s top two trading partners, may increase by $19.1 billion, or nearly 6 percent

• More than 600 coalitions and associations have endorsed the USMCA, including the Ames, Clear Lake, Dubuque, Marshalltown, Mason City, and Waverly Chambers of Commerce