Senate panel advances U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade resolution with border changes

The Alaska Senate Labor and Commerce Committee approved a resolution Wednesday urging Congress to continue the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and create a program to simplify border crossings for regular travelers and their pets.

The committee adopted a substitute version of Senate Joint Resolution 25 that shifts focus from opposing tariffs to promoting free trade and smoother border operations with Canada. The changes came after the committee heard testimony during its second hearing on the measure.

"Free trade between the United States, Canada, and Mexico makes goods cheaper, expands markets, and creates opportunity for economic growth," the revised resolution states. The new language also calls for "smooth and efficient border crossings for commuters, regular travelers, and their pets" to build trust between North American countries.

Senator Scott Kawasaki, who represents Fairbanks and sponsored the resolution, said the trade agreement was first established under the Trump administration and received support from the Alaska Legislature in a similar 2020 resolution. The USMCA replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement in 2020, modernizing trade rules among the three countries and establishing a framework for periodic review.

"We hope that we can continue modernizing the USMCA for the benefit of all of North America," Kawasaki said.

Samuel Marquardt, an intern working with Kawasaki, told the committee that the 2026 review of the trade agreement represents a critical opportunity that comes only once every six years. He said the relationship with Canada matters especially for Alaska because of shared trade, tourism, and culture across the border.

When asked about tariffs, Marquardt said some are necessary for national defense and protecting certain industries, particularly steel and metals.

"But we need to be careful," he said. "Any tariff introduces friction. Friction between one of our largest trading partners is something we just need to be very aware of and careful of."

The committee heard one public comment opposing the resolution. Mike Coons of Wasilla said Canada and Mexico have not been good neighbors dating back to the original North American Free Trade Agreement. He criticized Canada for imposing high tariffs on the United States and Mexico for failing to stop illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

"We do not need to be putting ourselves into this at this point," Coons said.

Conrad Jackson, staff to the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, explained the changes made in the substitute version. On page 2, lines 19 through 28 of the original resolution were deleted and replaced with language stating that free trade makes goods cheaper, expands markets, and creates opportunity for economic growth, and that smooth border crossings will grow trust and mutual goodwill between North American countries. On page 3, following line 7, the committee inserted language supporting the creation of a program to simplify border crossing for trusted commuters, regular travelers, and their pets. On page 3, line 9, the committee deleted language calling on the administration to "end disruptive tariffs on" and replaced it with "work toward a system of free trade with."