Sen. Scott Kawasaki’s USMCA modernization resolution reported from committee after brief debate

Senator Scott Kawasaki, sponsor of Senate Joint Resolution 25, told the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on April 22 that the resolution supports continuation and modernization of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of its 2026 review. The committee considered and accepted a committee substitute and reported the substitute from committee with individual recommendations and an attached fiscal note.

Samuel Marquardt, staff to Senator Kawasaki, summarized the substitute as focusing on the benefits of free trade, reducing friction at the border and capitalizing on the six‑year review process to modernize the agreement. "This is incredibly especially important because of the relationship between Canada and Alaska," Marquardt said, noting Alaska’s only land border with Canada and the volume of trade and travel that ties the regions.

The committee received one remote public comment opposing the resolution. Mike *****, a Wasilla resident who identified himself as speaking for himself, urged the panel to oppose SJR 25, arguing that Canada and Mexico had been poor partners historically and cited tariffs, migration and cartel activity as reasons to reject the resolution.

Conrad Jackson, staff to the committee, explained textual changes in the committee substitute, including deletions that remove phrasing about "disruptive tariffs" and the insertion of language supporting creation of a program to simplify border crossing for trusted commuters, regular travelers and pets. After staff explanation and no further questions, the committee chair removed his objection; one member moved and, with no objection, the committee reported the committee substitute (Version 34‑LS1404) from committee with individual recommendations and an attached fiscal note.

Next steps: The committee will sign the committee report and reconvene on April 24 to hear a Department of Labor presentation on workforce issues related to AK LNG and pipeline training; SJR 25 was reported from committee and will proceed according to the legislative process.