Ten U.S. congressmen have called on U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to ask the Mexican government to ensure that any reforms undertaken do not conflict with its obligations under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEK).

In a letter addressed to Katherine Tai, a group of 10 US congressmen expressed concern about judicial reforms and the disappearance of autonomous organizations that are being discussed in the Congress of the Union.

Congressmen: Adrian Smith, Jim Costa, Jody S. Arrington, Mike Carey, Claudia Tenney, Ron Estes, Greg Stanton, Beth Van Duyne, Michelle Steele and David Schweikert.

In the text, they asked Katherine Tai to contact President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum and the incoming Mexican Congress.

While recognizing the sovereign right of each government to update its constitution and deeply appreciating the strong partnership between the United States and Mexico, the ten members noted that “many of the proposed reforms appears to threaten access for US investors towards a stable, predictable and impartial regulatory framework.”

“We are also concerned about the Mexican government’s efforts to ban or restrict certain mining methods, curtail lithium exploration, limit power generation operations and permits, restrict imports of genetically modified corn, or eliminate independent regulatory agencies. Such policies would undermine North America’s competitiveness. and will create difficult conditions for eligible companies wishing to operate under T-MEC rules in Mexico.”

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The planned timeline for consideration of these reforms, the Americans note, requires that the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) Rapid interaction with the Mexican government ensure that the interests of American stakeholders are properly communicated.

They also note that in preparation for the T-MEC review in 2026, it is vital that each partner country respects the integrity of the agreement. Any action contrary to T-MEC’s ​​obligations will raise serious doubts. on commitment to common goals and will inevitably complicate the review process, they say.

Given the serious challenges these reforms pose for American stakeholders, requested a briefing for congressional staff about USTR’s involvement. They also asked for a written response to the following questions and for responses by September 20.

1. What is the Biden-Harris administration’s position on proposed constitutional reforms related to energy, mining, genetically modified corn, autonomous regulatory agencies, and judicial reform?

2. What impact are these reforms expected to have on American businesses and investors?

3. How will these reforms be consistent with Mexico’s obligations under the USMCA?

4. How does the USTR engage with US stakeholders to protect their interests?

5. How has the USTR engaged with the Mexican government regarding these constitutional reforms since these initiatives were first announced?

6. What is USTR’s long-term strategy to protect a credible and fair regulatory framework and market access for U.S. industry if these reforms are implemented?

“We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to working together to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Mexico,” concludes the document signed by ten congressmen.

US Congressmen Ask This Question… by Aristegui Noticias