The White House’s top economic advisor Larry KudlowLawrence (Larry) Alan KudlowMORE on Friday said he was “very optimistic” about the prospects of passing the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement in the coming months.
On Thursday, House Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiPelosi: Trump tweets on Yovanovitch show his ‘insecurity as an imposter’ On The Money: Trump asks Supreme Court to block Dem subpoena for financial records | Kudlow ‘very optimistic’ for new NAFTA deal | House passes Ex-Im Bank bill opposed by Trump, McConnell Overnight Defense: Ex-Ukraine ambassador offers dramatic day of testimony | Talks of ‘crisis’ at State Department | Trump tweets criticism of envoy during hearing | Dems warn against ‘witness intimidation’ | Trump defends his ‘freedom of speech’ MORE (D-Calif.) said a deal was “imminent” after months of negotiations between House Democrats and the administration.
Kudlow, referring to Pelosi’s remarks, spoke positively about their implications.
“I read her remarks very optimistically, and I remain very optimistic that this can pass this fall,” Kudlow told reporters Friday morning.
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“I think it’s a home run, I think it’s going to pass, and I was just delighted to hear her remarks,” he added, throwing in praise for Pelosi as “cooperative” and “accommodating.”
Democrats have sought stronger enforcement mechanisms and adjustments on labor, environmental and pharmaceutical issues to the deal President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump opens new line of impeachment attack for Democrats Bloomberg to spend 0M on anti-Trump ads in battleground states New witness claims first-hand account of Trump’s push for Ukraine probes MORE struck with Canada and Mexico last year.
If approved, the deal would update the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), fulfilling a key promise Trump made as a candidate.
House Democrats Thursday evening said there were still some issues to be ironed out.
“I wouldn’t say imminent but getting closer,” Rep. Dean PhillipsDean PhillipsKudlow ‘very optimistic’ on USMCA prospects USMCA deal close, but not ‘imminent,’ Democrats say Democrats lead Trump by wide margins in Minnesota MORE (D-Minn.) said following a Democratic caucus meeting on the subject.