TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 2019   TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE August 30, 2019   Dear Madam Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) I am transmitting an alternative plan for pay adjustments for civilian Federal employees covered by the General Schedule and certain other pay systems in January 2020. Title 5, United States Code, authorizes me to implement alternative plans for pay adjustments for civilian Federal employees covered by the General Schedule and certain other pay systems if, because of "national emergency or serious economic conditions affecting the general welfare," I view the increases that would otherwise take effect as inappropriate. Under current law, locality pay increases averaging 24.01 percent, costing $24 billion in the first year alone, would go into effect in January 2020, in addition to a 2.6 percent across-the-board increase for the base General Schedule. We must maintain efforts to put our Nation on a fiscally sustainable course; Federal agency budgets cannot sustain such massive increases in locality pay.  Accordingly, I have determined that it is appropriate to exercise my authority to set alternative locality pay adjustments for 2020 pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5304a. Specifically, I have determined that for 2020 -- while across-the-board base pay will increase by 2.6 percent, as prescribed under 5 U.S.C. 5303(a) -- the locality pay percentages shown in Schedule 9 of Executive Order 13866 of March 28, 2019, will remain at their 2019 levels.  This alternative pay plan decision will not materially affect our ability to attract and retain a well‑qualified Federal workforce. As noted in my Budget for Fiscal Year 2020, our pay system must reform to align with mission-critical recruitment and retention goals, and to reward employees whose performance provides value for the American people.  My Administration will continue to support reforms that advance these aims. The adjustment described above shall take effect on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2020.                                 Sincerely,                                         DONALD J. TRUMP

Presidential Proclamation on National Preparedness Month, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 2019

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH, 2019 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION        Since the early days of our Nation's history, Americans have always demonstrated perseverance and determination in the face of great challenges.  Our Nation's efforts to be prepared for whatever lies ahead have contributed to our ability to consistently rise to the occasion when adversity strikes.  During National Preparedness Month, we focus on promoting a culture of preparedness to make our homes, businesses, communities, and Nation more ready and resilient in the face of natural, adversarial, accidental, and technological hazards.  We also honor and express our immense appreciation for the brave first responders who risk their lives to help others before, during, and after emergencies.      During the last 2 years, Americans have faced some of the most devastating natural disasters and emergencies in our Nation's history.  From the U.S. Virgin Islands to the Hawaiian Islands, we have endured hurricanes, wildfires, floods, blizzards, earthquakes, tornadoes, and other extreme weather and perilous events.  Our resolve as a Nation has been tested again and again.  More than 50 people lost their lives after record rainfall and strong winds from Hurricane Florence caused catastrophic flooding and structural damage throughout the Carolinas.  Hurricane Michael became the strongest hurricane ever to hit the Florida Panhandle, causing major damage to property and tragically taking more lives.  And California's Camp Fire, which took the lives of more than 80 people and destroyed thousands of homes, was the deadliest and one of the most destructive wildfires in more than a century.      In spite of these tremendous challenges, the American people remain steadfast in their commitment to overcoming any adversity.  While Federal, State, local, tribal, and territorial offices, as well as non-governmental organizations, coordinate with first responders and emergency personnel before, during, and after an emergency, the most integral part of an effective recovery following a disaster is preparedness at every level of government, in the private sector, and especially among our citizens.  Maintaining readiness starts by having an emergency plan in place before disaster strikes.  Signing up for alerts sent to mobile devices is crucial.  These alerts provide critical early warnings, enabling people to get to safety before disaster strikes.  An emergency fund can help cover unexpected costs for basic needs like food, water, lodging, gas, and insurance deductibles.  It is also crucial to designate an out‑of-town contact person that family members can call in case of an emergency.  And parents and guardians should talk with their children about how to be prepared for unexpected emergencies at home or at school.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Ready Campaign outlines simple, cost‑effective, and life-saving measures you can take to prepare yourself, your family, and your property.  Taking these simple steps can make a big difference during a crisis or natural disaster.      This month, as Hurricane Dorian bears down on the Florida coast, I encourage all Americans to take action to be ready and resilient.  While we cannot always know when the next disaster or emergency will confront us, we must remain ready.  Together, we can ensure that all Americans have the information and resources they need to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from crisis or disaster.      NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2019 as National Preparedness Month.  I encourage all Americans, including Federal, State, tribal, and local officials, to take action to be prepared for disaster or emergency by making and practicing their emergency response plans.  Each step we take to become better prepared makes a real difference in how our families and communities will respond and persevere when faced with the unexpected.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.                                 DONALD J. TRUMP     #

Executive Order on Establishing the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 2019 EXECUTIVE ORDER - - - - - - - ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL QUANTUM INITIATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE       By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 104(a) of the National Quantum Initiative Act (Public Law 115-368) (Act), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and in order to ensure continued American leadership in quantum information science and technology applications, it is hereby ordered as follows:     Section 1.  Establishment.  The National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee (Committee) is hereby established.  The Committee shall consist of the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy or the Director's designee (Director) and not more than 22 members appointed by the Secretary of Energy (Secretary).  Committee members shall represent industry, universities, Federal laboratories, and other Federal Government agencies.  Committee members must be qualified to provide advice and information on quantum information science and technology research, development, demonstrations, standards, education, technology transfers, commercial application, and national security economic concerns.  The Director shall serve as a Co Chair of the Committee.  The Secretary shall designate at least one of the Committee members to serve as Co-Chair with the Director.     Sec. 2.  Functions.  (a)  The Committee shall advise the Secretary and the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science of the National Science and Technology Council (Subcommittee) and make recommendations to the Secretary to consider when reviewing and revising the National Quantum Initiative Program (Program) established pursuant to section 101 of the Act.  The Committee shall also carry out all responsibilities set forth in section 104 of the Act.     (b)  The Committee shall meet at least twice a year and shall:         (i)    respond to requests from the Co-Chairs of the Committee for information, analysis, evaluation, or advice relating to quantum information science and technology applications;         (ii)   solicit information and ideas from a broad range of stakeholders on quantum information science in order to inform policy making.  Stakeholders include the research community, the private sector, universities, national laboratories, executive departments and agencies (agencies), State and local governments, foundations, and nonprofit organizations; and         (iii)  respond to requests from the Subcommittee.     Sec. 3.  Administration.  (a)  The heads of agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, provide the Committee with information concerning quantum information science and supporting technologies and applications when requested by a Co Chair of the Committee.     (b)  In consultation with the Director, the Committee may create standing subcommittees and ad hoc groups, including technical advisory groups, to assist and provide preliminary information to the Committee.     (c)  The Director may request that members of the Committee, its standing subcommittees, or ad hoc groups who do not hold a current clearance for access to classified information, receive appropriate clearances and access determinations pursuant to Executive Order 13526 of December 29, 2009 (Classified National Security Information), as amended, or any successor order.     (d)  The Department of Energy shall provide such funding and administrative and technical support as the Committee may require.     (e)  Committee members shall serve without any compensation for their work on the Committee, but may receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in the Government service (5 U.S.C. 5701-5707).     Sec. 4.  General Provisions.  (a)  Insofar as the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.) (FACA), may apply to the Committee, any functions of the President under the FACA, except for those in section 6 of the FACA, shall be performed by the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Director, in accordance with the guidelines and procedures established by the Administrator of General Services.     (b)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:         (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or         (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.     (c)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.     (d)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.                         DONALD J. TRUMP   THE WHITE HOUSE,     August 30, 2019.

Presidential Proclamation on Labor Day, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 2019 LABOR DAY, 2019 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION        On Labor Day, we recognize the remarkable American workers who comprise the greatest labor force in the world.  American workers are the heart and soul of our Nation's economic resurgence.  Since my first day in office, I have followed through on my promise to fight for an agenda that puts American workers first.      My Administration's pro-growth policies have enabled countless Americans to reclaim the dignity of work and reap the rewards of our thriving economy.  Since my election, the American economy has added more than 6 million new jobs, and for the past 17 months, the unemployment rate has held near record lows.  In 2017, as the unemployment rate decreased, the rates of injuries and illnesses in the workplace also declined.  Additionally, employers are paying higher wages, which are rising at the fastest pace in a decade.  Jobs are consistently becoming available faster than people can fill them.      As the 21st century global economy evolves, my Administration is making it a priority to prepare the American workforce of tomorrow.  Last year, I signed an Executive Order establishing the President's National Council for the American Worker to ensure that students and workers have access to the affordable, practical, and innovative education and job training they need to be successful across high-demand industries.  We are asking companies to sign our Pledge to America's Workers and commit to expanding programs that educate, train, or re-skill employees.  In July, as of the 1-year anniversary of our pledge, more than 300 companies and organizations had already joined us in this effort, committing to more than 12 million new education and training opportunities for American students and workers.  We are also promoting expanded access to apprenticeships through the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program, which will enable associations, unions, educational institutions, and non‑profit organizations to partner and create exceptional opportunities for apprentices to earn and learn through their careers.  Additionally, we are seeking to expand Pell Grant program eligibility for high-quality, short-term education and training programs in popular career fields.      My Administration has been working tirelessly to renegotiate one-sided trade agreements to obtain fairer terms for American companies and workers.  With the signing of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), we took bold and needed action to replace the outdated and unbalanced North American Free Trade Agreement.  Once approved by the Congress, the USMCA will support higher-paying jobs for American workers by enhancing the freedom of all American businesses across all sectors of our economy.  We also significantly updated one of our most consequential trade deals, the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, bringing real benefits to American workers.  And we are aggressively enforcing the well-established trade laws of the United States to protect American workers and businesses from unfair trade practices that harm them.      Today, we honor those Americans whose contributions have turned our country into an economic powerhouse, and we renew our commitment to create an environment that continues to foster and promote opportunity.      NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2, 2019, as Labor Day.  I call upon all public officials and people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor the contributions and resilience of working Americans.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.                               DONALD J. TRUMP

Presidential Proclamation on National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 2019 National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 2019 - - - - - - - By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation        During National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize the brave young Americans who are courageously fighting cancer, and we pause to remember those we have lost to this horrible disease.  We also reaffirm our Nation's commitment to developing cures for pediatric cancer, which inflicts terrible pain on children and causes tremendous anguish for parents and loved ones.      Each year, more than 15,000 children and adolescents under the age of 19 are diagnosed with cancer.  Although cancer is the leading cause of post-infancy death among our Nation's young people, there is hope for those afflicted by this disease.  In the last half century, the life expectancy of children and adolescents with cancer has greatly increased, with approximately 85 percent now living for at least 5 years after being diagnosed.  Building upon this progress, we continue our efforts to find effective and innovative medical procedures to treat and prevent all forms of cancer and to improve the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors.      My Administration is committed to supporting our Nation's dedicated medical professionals, researchers, and innovators as they work to win the fight against childhood cancer.  Last year, I signed into law the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act.  This legislation will support research for childhood cancers, explore effective treatments, and help enhance the quality of long-term care for the tenacious young people who have finished treatment and entered into remission.  I am also working with the Congress to invest $500 million over the next decade in cancer-related research.  This funding will enable our Nation's best scientists and doctors to learn from every child with cancer, creating new opportunities to understand the unique causes of and best cures for childhood cancer.      This month, we honor the more than 400,000 survivors of childhood and adolescent cancers in the United States.  Their resilient spirit and immeasurable courage inspire us all.  We also express our sincerest gratitude to those who work tirelessly to ensure that all children can live healthy, long, and productive lives.      NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2019 as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  I encourage all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities that raise awareness of the efforts to find a cure for childhood cancer.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.                                 DONALD J. TRUMP

Presidential Proclamation on National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 2019 NATIONAL ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH, 2019 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION        During National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, we raise awareness of substance use disorder and celebrate the millions of Americans who have successfully overcome addiction.  Their stories of healing and redemption are a source of hope and encouragement to others battling addiction.      Addiction to alcohol, opioids, and illicit drugs is a public health emergency.  For this reason, I have taken aggressive action to combat the scourge of addiction and help those affected by it.  My Initiative to Stop Opioid Abuse and Reduce Drug Supply and Demand is designed both to reduce the demand for drugs through education, awareness, and the prevention of over-prescription and to cut off the flow of drugs across our borders.  The Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act, which I signed into law last year, is the single largest bill dedicated to combating the drug crisis ever passed in the history of our country.  This law expands access to evidence-based treatment, protects our communities from illicit drugs, invests more in sustained recovery, brings those in treatment and recovery back into the workforce, and raises public awareness of the dangers of illicitly imported synthetic opioids.  My Administration also secured more than $6 billion over 2 years to help Americans affected by addiction to opioids and other drugs have access to the care they need.  And we continue working closely with States to waive overly restrictive Federal rules so they have more flexibility to develop and implement innovative solutions to this crisis.      Every American can work to end the crisis of alcohol and drug addiction in our country, which shatters relationships and erodes the strength of our communities.  Countless first responders, healthcare professionals, counselors, recovery coaches, spiritual leaders, and volunteers help Americans every day to achieve and sustain recovery through their compassion and dedication.  Equally important are the courageous individuals in recovery who have battled stigma, misunderstanding, and the disease of addiction to build a new life.  Their struggles, lessons learned, and experiences gained on the road to recovery offer invaluable inspiration to all who fight addiction.  Through The Crisis Next Door platform launched by the White House last year, Americans whose lives have been tormented by addiction can share their stories and provide a glimpse into the tragic consequences of substance use disorder and the hope, healing, and joy of lives reclaimed through recovery.      This month, we reaffirm our commitment to the critical battle against alcohol and drug addiction, remember the lives lost to this disease, and honor those in recovery.  By helping those still struggling find the treatment they need and by welcoming home those who are recovering, we can make our communities and our Nation stronger, healthier, and more prosperous.      NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2019 as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.  I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.                               DONALD J. TRUMP

Statement from the Press Secretary

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 2019

Statement from the Press Secretary   President Donald J. Trump will welcome His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, to the White House on September 12, 2019.  The visit will build on the longstanding partnership between the United States and Kuwait and further strengthen our substantial economic and security ties.  The two leaders are expected to discuss regional developments, bilateral security cooperation, and counterterrorism issues.

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 2019 President Donald J. Trump Approves Florida Emergency Declaration                                                                                          Today, President Donald J. Trump declared that an emergency exists in the State of Florida and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State, tribal, and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Dorian beginning on August 28, 2019, and continuing. The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all 67 Florida counties. Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.  Emergency protective measures, limited to direct Federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding. Pete Gaynor, Acting Administrator, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, named Thomas J. McCool as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

West Wing Reads Younger Workers Report Biggest Gains in Happiness With Pay

Younger Workers Report Biggest Gains in Happiness With Pay  The share of American workers satisfied with their paychecks rose last year, and “the biggest leap came from millennials and Generation Z, whose enthusiasm for their compensation shot from 36% in 2017 to nearly 46% a year later,” Lauren Weber reports for The Wall Street Journal. “In all, nearly 54% of U.S. workers said they were satisfied with their jobs in 2018, the highest share reported in more than two decades.” Click here to read more. President Donald J. Trump canceled a planned trip to Poland this weekend “to remain stateside as a potentially major hurricane takes aim at Florida,” Caitlin Oprysko reports for Politico. “'It's something very important for me to be here,” the President said, adding that he wants “to ensure that all resources of the federal government are focused on the arriving storm.” Vice President Mike Pence will travel to Poland in President Trump’s place. “Two years ago, former FBI Director James Comey came out with a book that celebrated himself as a paragon of ‘ethical leadership,’” George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley writes in The Hill. “If that is the case, the new Justice Department inspector general report released on Thursday establishes that Comey is the very antithesis of the ethical leader he described. Comey was found to have violated both federal law and regulations for his own gain, and he made critical decisions that put personal over institutional interests.” Ever since President Trump insisted that China halt exports of illicit opioids to the United States, the flow of lethal fentanyl-style drugs coming to America from China has collapsed, David Fickling writes for Bloomberg. “It could be that 2019 is the year when the U.S. finally started to turn the tide in the opium war,” he says. “What’s more, the success may be coming as a result of that most improbable activity, cooperation between the U.S. and Chinese governments.” “To say that many liberal elites have all but given up on educating low-income minorities might seem like an overstatement. But when you consider the state of public education in our inner cities, and the priorities of those in charge, it’s hard to draw any other conclusion,” Jason Riley writes in The Wall Street Journal. The racial achievement gap is a main driver of inequality in New York City, for example, where Democrat Mayor Bill De Blasio is looking to shut down the charter schools where mostly low-income students have passage rates of greater than 90 percent for math and English.

Photos from President Donald J. Trump’s FEMA Briefing on Hurricane Dorian

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 2019 Photos from President Donald J. Trump’s FEMA Briefing on Hurricane Dorian President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence received a briefing on hurricane Dorian, a potentially life threatening and extremely dangerous storm, from Acting Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) Pete Gaynor and Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction Dr. Neil Jacobs yesterday.  The President was provided an overview of the hurricane’s impact on Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and neighboring islands, and the ongoing response efforts there. President Trump directed Federal agencies to continue their efforts to protect lives, promote preparedness efforts, and expedite authorized assistance to areas that have been affected and are still in the path of this dangerous storm during this federally supported, State-managed, and locally executed disaster response.  The President also commended the FEMA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) teams for their hard work during this storm.  He urged Federal officials to help get the word out to those in hurricane Dorian’s path, to follow the directions of State and local officials and emergency responders, and to heed evacuation orders.  The President and Vice President are praying for those who have been affected by, and will potentially face, this hurricane. President Donald J. Trump, joined by Vice President Mike Pence, receives a briefing on Hurricane Dorian as it approaches the U.S. mainland Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in the Oval Office of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       President Donald J. Trump, joined by Vice President Mike Pence, receives a briefing on Hurricane Dorian as it approaches the U.S. mainland Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in the Oval Office of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       President Donald J. Trump, joined by Vice President Mike Pence, receives a briefing on Hurricane Dorian as it approaches the U.S. mainland Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in the Oval Office of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       President Donald J. Trump, joined by Vice President Mike Pence, receives a briefing on Hurricane Dorian as it approaches the U.S. mainland Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in the Oval Office of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)       President Donald J. Trump, joined by Vice President Mike Pence, receives a briefing on Hurricane Dorian as it approaches the U.S. mainland Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in the Oval Office of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP SECURED A BETTER DEAL FOR AMERICA WITH USMCA

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 2019 PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP SECURED A BETTER DEAL FOR AMERICA WITH USMCA   Officials and business leaders across the country are emphasizing the necessity of adopting the USMCA to fuel the economy and support the manufacturing and agricultural industries.   SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE SONNY PERDUE IN HERALD & REVIEW: USMCA Keeps Illinois Farmers Leading the Pack “Illinois stands to benefit in every way with USMCA. Illinois’ farmers, ranchers, and workers are some of the most productive in the world and the future looks bright with USMCA. Now it’s up to Congress to take the next step and ratify USMCA as soon as they return from the August Recess.” DEPUTY SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE STEPHEN CENSKY IN THE FRESNO BEE: USMCA: A Better Trade Deal that Keeps California Agriculture Competitive  “Agriculture supports nearly 240,000 jobs in California and creates more than $29 billion in value annually. Trade with our neighbors to the north and south helps support this industry, and the passage of USMCA will only further advance and grow California’s economy, specifically the agriculture industry. President Donald J. Trump is fighting for new and better trade deals for America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers. The president has won a better deal for America in USMCA.” AGRICULTURE UNDER SECRETARY BILL NORTHEY IN THE DES MOINES REGISTER: The USMCA Is a ‘Big Win’ for Iowa’s Agriculture Industry “America’s farmers and ranchers are the most productive in the world. Generations of Iowans have devoted their lives to feeding America. It is USDA’s role to help open and expand markets to sell the bounty of our American harvest around the globe. With USMCA, President Trump has delivered on a better deal that will greatly benefit our agriculture industry.” SENATOR CHUCK GRASSLEY IN THE QUAD-CITY TIMES: It’s Time to Pass the USMCA “If ratified by Congress, USMCA would be a boon for Iowa and the entire country. The importance of trade with our North American neighbors can’t be understated. It accounts for nearly one-third of our nation’s agricultural exports, totaling over $40 billion and supporting more than 300,000 jobs.” PRESIDENT OF HM MANUFACTURING NICOLE WOLTER IN CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS: Trump’s Canada-Mexico Trade Pact Would Give Illinois a Lift  “The International Trade Commission predicts that the USMCA would create 176,000 new jobs and increase U.S. exports to Canada and Mexico by $19 billion and $14 billion, respectively. … The advantages of passing the USMCA are undeniable. The USMCA will expand Americans’ access to the Canadian and Mexican markets, enable greater global competitiveness and increase American economic prosperity. It will support hardworking Americans who have jobs in manufacturing, both in Illinois and other parts of the country.” PRESIDENT OF THE ORANGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL LUCY DUNN IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Passage of USMCA Is Vital to Orange County’s Future  “The passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, is crucial to preserving California’s rich history of trade and it will help keep the region’s businesses and job market thriving in a fiercely competitive world economy.” PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. BLACK CHAMBERS RON BUSBY IN THE ATLANTA TRIBUNE: New Trade Agreement Would Help Black-owned Businesses Prosper  “The number of Black-owned businesses has increased by more than 30 percent over the last decade to 2.6 million. Congress can boost that number even higher by ratifying the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement as signed by all three nations. This recently negotiated trade deal is full of provisions that will help Black-owned businesses create, grow, and thrive for decades to come.” PRESIDENTS OF SPARTAN MOTORS AND DOWDING INDUSTRIES DARYL ADAMS AND JEFF METTS IN THE LANSING STATE JOURNAL: Michigan Economy Relies on Tariff-Free Trade with Canada and Mexico “There are no more important trading partners in ensuring our prosperity than our neighbors to the north and south. …Without tariff-free trade across North America guaranteed by the USMCA, however, Michigan’s manufactured goods exported to Canada and Mexico could face a minimum of $1 billion to $5.2 billion in extra taxes. Taxes like that could cripple many Michigan companies.”