A Nebraska congressman spoke out on issues facing the state's farmers Wednesday. 3rd District Representative Adrian Smith gave his thoughts on the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) and tariffs Wednesday.

He said getting the new trade agreement between the US, Mexico and Canada passed is "a huge priority" for himself. According to Smith, Canada and Mexico accounted for 34% of all U.S. exports in 2018. Smith said despite the heavy partisanship present in today's Congress, he has confidence the agreement will pass.

"I really have a hard time thinking Nancy Pelosi wants to be Speaker and preside over the demise of trade in North America," Smith said. "I think if you watch closely, she has not criticized the overall agreement. She's saying there's a couple of things she would like to see in there, but there are components to USMCA that have been requested by Democrats for a couple decades."

Smith said he agrees with President Trump's thoughts about trade but is against the tariffs the President has imposed. He said they hurt the country's producers and consumers and lead to retaliatory tariffs.

"The President did campaign on some things that I didn't agree with, tariffs being one of them, Smith said. "That's in the past now. Let's move forward in a constructive manner."

Those tariffs have put pressure on Smith and his colleagues to work hard toward a resolution.

"I do get a little frustrated when some of my colleagues, who have never voted for a trade agreement that reduces tariffs, decry tariffs now because they came from the White House," Smith said. "Well, I'll take that. If we can join up and pursue trade agreements and trade actions moving forward that avoid tariffs, I think we are in a better spot."

Smith says he hopes USMCA is passed through by early fall at the latest. As for coming to agreements to avoid future tariffs with nations like China, Smith said, "time will tell."

"95% of the world's consumers live outside our borders," Smith said. "Trade with foreign nations is a great opportunity for American companies, American ag producers and others. Negotiating trade agreements to reduce tariffs between nations and open previously closed markets is very important."