The White House’s top economic advisor Larry Kudlow 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 Pelosi (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. {mosads}
“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 Trump 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 Phillips (D-Minn.) said following a Democratic caucus meeting on the subject.