Donald TrumpHead of firms that pushed 'Italygate' theory falsely claimed VA mansion was her home: report Centrists gain foothold in infrastructure talks; cyber attacks at center of Biden-Putin meeting VA moving to cover gender affirmation surgery through department health care MORE a signature legislative victory.The legislation is a divisive point among some Democrats, however. Sharp critics of the president have been reluctant to vote on the USMCA and give Trump a legislative victory, while some more moderate lawmakers have been wary of returning to their districts with impeachment dominating the conversation.
But Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nancy PelosiGOP increasingly balks at calling Jan. 6 an insurrection Overnight Energy: Lake Mead's decline points to scary water future in West | White House leads opposition to raising gas tax | Biden taps ex-New Mexico lawmaker for USDA post Trump against boycotting Beijing Olympics in 2022 MORE (D-Calif.) has been adamant that the caucus can keep impeachment separate from legislation, and she has met in recent weeks with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer
Bob LighthizerBiden moves to undo Trump trade legacy with EU deal Whiskey, workers and friends caught in the trade dispute crossfire GOP senator warns quick vote on new NAFTA would be 'huge mistake' MORE and other administration officials.
Trump has repeatedly hammered Pelosi for her decision not to bring the USMCA up for a vote to date, accusing her of delaying it to shepherd votes on impeachment.
"I'll see if I can be switched from 'no' to 'yes,'" Rep. Bill Pascrell
William (Bill) James PascrellZombie Tax punishes farmers to fill DC coffers Democrats face new pressure to raise taxes New report reignites push for wealth tax MORE (D-N.J.), a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade and close union ally, said late last week when asked about the USMCA.
One of the major questions hanging over the talks in recent weeks was whether Mexico would agree to invasive oversight and enforcement of the deal.
"We don't have very much confidence in that the government of Mexico can fulfill what we're going to be putting in these trade bill," Pascrell said.
"If they can't get [El] Chapo's son from killing people and his cohorts, how are they going to follow through and administer the legislation we're talking about?" he added, referring to the drug cartel leader.
But even without union support, Pascrell said some members of Democratic leadership would be eager to push ahead.
Niv Elis contributed to this report, which was updated at 10:45 a.m.
