Leaders discuss trade & continued binational collaboration
On Wednesday, Democrat Congressman Brian Higgins joined his colleagues on the House Ways and Means Committee for a bipartisan meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss binational collaboration as conversations continue related to the North American Free Trade Agreement.
"We share a series of values with Canada: high wages, rigorous environmental standards, individual freedoms, and a commitment to shared prosperity. Trade agreements provide an opportunity to promote these principles," Higgins said. "Previous trade agreements have failed to adequately protect American workers. New or revised negotiated trade agreements should have standards that are explicit and enforceable with regular rigorous consultation."
Nearly 9 million jobs in the U.S. depend on trade and investment with Canada, and approximately 400,000 people cross the U.S.-Canada border each day. Higgins' district alone exports over $667.6 million in goods to Canada annually.
Higgins serves as vice-ranking member on the House Committee on Ways and Means, where he also serves as a member of the subcommittee on trade. Higgins is a co-chair of the Northern Border Caucus, from which he advocates for federal policies that recognize the unique needs of northern border communities - efforts which serve to strengthen economic and security ties with Canadian neighbors. Higgins' Western New York district, which covers the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, includes four international crossings between the U.S. and Canada.
