House Members Ask USTR to Tell Mexico Reforms Problematic
A bipartisan group of 10 House members, led by Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., is asking U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to engage with Mexico's leaders on that country's constitutional reforms.
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"We recognize every government’s sovereign right to update its constitution and deeply value the strong partnership between the U.S. and Mexico. However, many of the proposed reforms appear likely to compromise access for U.S. investors to a stable, predictable, and unbiased regulatory framework," they wrote in the Sept. 4 letter.
They said they're also concerned about Mexico's restrictions on mining and electricity permitting.
"Any action contravening USMCA obligations will create significant doubt regarding the commitment to our shared goals and will inevitably make the review process more difficult," they wrote.
Smith has been a leading critic of Mexico's efforts to restrict the import of genetically modified white corn, and he mentioned that in this letter, as well.
They asked Tai to provide written answers to a number of questions, including:
- How do the reforms align with USMCA obligations?
- What impact does the administration think the changes would have on U.S. businesses and investors?
- How has USTR engaged with U.S. stakeholders that could be affected by the changes?
- How has USTR engaged with Mexico on the constitutional reforms?