WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott applauded the Senate’s passage of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). Senator Rick Scott spoke about his support of the USMCA in a meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation yesterday after receiving commitment from U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer that Florida’s seasonal produce growers will be protected.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m proud the Senate passed the USMCA today as we work with the Administration to negotiate trade agreements that put American businesses first. I want to thank President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for all the work they did to get this deal done. While the deal is not perfect, I have received written commitments from USTR that they will work to make sure all Florida growers’ concerns are properly addressed and domestic seasonal producers in Florida are protected. I will not stop fighting until Florida growers have what they need to succeed.”

Watch video from the meeting and read his remarks as prepared for delivery below.

I would like to thank the Trump Administration and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for their focus on reviewing trade agreements to make sure they are fair to American companies and workers. 

Florida is home to some incredible produce growers, and our state is proud of their many successes. Unfortunately, Florida’s growers continue to be harmed by Mexico’s unfair trade practices.  

The entire Florida delegation is focused on making sure our state’s seasonal growers have the protections they need to combat Mexico’s harmful trade practices, and we have joined together to urge USTR to include these protections in final text of the USMCA. 

Although these provisions are not included in the final text as it stands today, I received written commitment from commitments from Mr. Lighthizer that they will work with the Florida delegation and the Florida growers to make sure these concerns are properly addressed and domestic seasonal producers in Florida are protected.

I will not stop fighting until Florida growers have what they need to succeed.

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