A total of 27 governors wrote congressional leadership urging the House and Senate to ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

“Nearly 25 years after the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement, it is time to update our trade policies with two of our most critical trading partners,” the letter stated, adding that USMCA "is a comprehensive, 21st-century trade agreement that protects workers across the nation, establishes a level playing field among the United States and our partners and encourages free and fair trade.”

The governors stated the completion of the trade agreement is critical to their states as they seek to boost economic development and encourage new investment that leads to job creation.

“The USMCA modernizes our trade agreement with Canada and Mexico to account for stronger protections for trade secrets, intellectual property, anticorruption and digital trade. The USMCA also expands access to markets for our farmers and ranchers and reduces barriers for agricultural markets.  Beyond that, the USMCA strengthens prohibitions on the importation of goods produced by forced labor and ensures stronger protections for migrant workers,” the letter added.

The governors said they are committed to working with House and Senate leaders as well as the President to ensure that USMCA is ratified this Congress.

Related:Ag groups push for USMCA approval

“As chief executives of our states, we urge Congress to pass USMCA quickly so American workers can begin reaping the benefits of improved trade with our North American neighbors. Passing the agreement quickly will give our small and large businesses the stability and predictability they need to expand, invest and create more jobs,” the letter noted.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a signee of the letter, added, “South Dakota farmers and ranchers need added market opportunities and certainty. The USMCA would increase potential for global trade while giving producers the stability to grow, invest and create more jobs in South Dakota. I encourage congressional leadership to support American agriculture and pass the USMCA.”