Vice President Mike Pence is calling on the Jacksonville workforce to help keep the American economy moving in a positive direction.
On Monday at the Schultz Center, Pence told an enthusiastic crowd it can do that by getting behind the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA.
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Action News Jax reporter Cole spoke to the vice president about how the agreement is different from North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, and how it’s going to affect workers in Jacksonville.
"My mom was a housekeeper. My stepfather worked two jobs and they managed to put me through school,” said Lisa Gaglianese.
Gaglianese told Cole her blue-collar upbringing is the reason she supports the USMCA.
Pence said the deal, which still needs congressional approval, is a job saver.
He came to Jacksonville on Monday to encourage locals to get behind the idea of putting American jobs and workers first.
"We have an opportunity with the USMCA to do just that, to pass the kind of trade deal that will put agriculture here in Florida first, manufacturing here in Florida first,” Pence said.
He told the crowd a lot of Florida growers went out of business because of Mexico.
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"All of those incentives for American companies to shutter their factories and move them south of the border are gone. We've really leveled the playing field,” Pence said.
Pence said the USMCA, will bring back the jobs lost under NAFTA.
"I'm actually a recent graduate from the University of Florida, so hearing that there will be more jobs available is something that's encouraging to me,” said Kelsey Harrison.
The USCMA, aka the "new NAFTA," is also supposed to help regulate digital trade and encourage even more innovation with new intellectual property protections.
After leaving the Schultz Center, Pence visited the local servicemen and women at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
"It's my great honor to be here with all of you, extraordinary Americans who, every day serve the fleet and serve our country the men and women of Naval Air Station Jacksonville. America is proud of you," Vice President Pence said.
Pence said he wanted to be sure the men and women know their work is not going unnoticed.
“When we grow American manufacturing, you don’t just grow wages—you grow the American spirit.” —And VP Mike Pence tells the crowd manufacturing has come roaring back under the Trump Admin. @ActionNewsJax #USMCA #BetterDealForAmericanWorkers. pic.twitter.com/lvB0G3dknM
— Courtney Cole (@CourtneyANJax) May 20, 2019
"We're going to ensure that the strongest fighting force in the world is stronger than ever before,” Pence said.
The vice president told the crowd that the administration plans to put its money where its mouth is.
"Last year, President Trump signed the largest increase in our national defense since the days of Ronald Reagan," Pence said.
The vice president said Trump is working to construct a 350-ship Navy and is proposing the largest defense budget in American history—more than $750-billion.
Trump also signed the largest pay increase for members of our armed forces in more than 10 years.
"And you deserve every single penny," Pence told the servicemen and women at Action News Jax.
Pence said it's thanks to the courage of every soldier, sailor, airmen and coastguard... The United States is now able to embrace the role as leader of the free world.
He said the administration will continue to give them the resources they need to serve and come home safely.
Pence also addressed the Miracle on the St. Johns and called the professionalism and teamwork of NAS Jax an inspiration.
Cox Media Group
