Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville have introduced a resolution in Congress challenging the Biden Administration's closed-door negotiations regarding Annex 14-C of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). The resolution asserts that any agreement reached by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai without congressional approval is not legally binding.

The Biden administration has been involved in discussions with Mexico and Canada to reinterpret parts of the USMCA, which some lawmakers argue could harm American companies like Vulcan Materials Co., based in Birmingham, Alabama. "President Biden’s lame-duck administration is effectively renegotiating USMCA behind closed doors without properly informing Congress and without regard for American interests," stated Senator Britt.

Senator Tuberville expressed concern over the impact on Alabama businesses, saying, "For the Biden administration to try to ram through this anti-American business policy at the last minute is a slap in the face to the 77 million Americans who voted for President Trump."

The resolution highlights ongoing disputes involving Vulcan Materials Company and its operations in Mexico. In March 2023, Mexican military forces seized Vulcan's port facility at Punta Venado, Quintana Roo. This incident followed previous tensions dating back to 2018 when Vulcan initiated arbitration against Mexico due to alleged harassment and illegal land-use changes.

Senator Britt has been vocal about defending American trade interests and has advocated for legislation such as the Defending American Property Abroad Act. This act aims to impose retaliatory measures against Mexico if it profits from actions against Vulcan Materials' property.

In May 2024, Senators Britt, Tim Kaine, Bill Hagerty, and Tuberville urged Mexican authorities to resolve issues concerning Vulcan Materials amicably. Despite these efforts, tensions remain high between Vulcan Materials and Mexican authorities under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.