Ep. 24 – WITA’s Friday Exchange: Modernizing the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement USMCA with the Coalition for North American Trade

Former U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) advises clients on a range of public policy and government relations issues, with a special focus on economic issues: tax, trade, health care and energy matters. He served for 26 years as a member of Congress representing the 8th congressional district of Texas, including northern Houston, as well as The Woodlands.

Throughout his career, Rep. Brady played a pivotal role in shaping economic policy in the United States. As Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee (2015-2019), he led the Committee’s efforts to deliver a detailed blueprint for comprehensive, pro-growth tax reform, the first in 30 years, and authored the historic 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

A national leader in free trade, Rep. Brady chaired the Trade Subcommittee and helped secure approval of 13 of America’s 15 free trade agreements, as well as multiple trade promotion authority, trade facilitation and WTO accession bills. He played a key role in the record bipartisan passage of the U.S.-Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).

As chairman of the Health Subcommittee, Rep. Brady led efforts to make permanent the research and development tax credit, incentivizing American-led research in crucial medical advancements and technologies. He also played a leadership role in Medicare modernization and health care innovation.

In the energy sector, Rep. Brady negotiated an end to the 40-year ban on selling U.S. crude oil overseas. He worked successfully across the aisle to pass into law two major bipartisan reforms in retirement security: Secure and Secure 2.0.

Rep. Brady served as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Taxation and Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee of Congress and has earned a reputation as a highly regarded leader within the Republican caucus in both the House and Senate. His extensive experience has allowed him to cultivate strong relationships with policy-makers and staff members in both parties. A dedicated advocate for pro-growth policies, tax reform and free trade, Rep. Brady is committed to shaping a favorable business environment for his clients.

Prior to serving in Congress, Rep. Brady worked as a Chamber of Commerce executive for 18 years and served for six years in the Texas House of Representatives, where he was named a Top Ten Legislator for Families & Children and one of Five Outstanding Young Texans.

Ken focuses on helping international clients to identify trade and foreign direct investment opportunities derived from the new generation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that Mexico has negotiated, such as CPTPP, the MX-EU FTA, and the NAFTA/USMCA. Ken also advises clients who face trade barriers and assists them in developing strategies to obtain or expand access into key international markets, including Mexico.

Prior to joining Agon, Ken served as Mexico´s Chief Negotiator for the modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that led to the signing of the USMCA. He has been an integral part of Mexico’s negotiating team representing several government agencies, and began his career with the team negotiating the NAFTA in 1992.

Ken holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from Georgetown University, and a Master’s degree in International Economics from Johns Hopkins, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).

Working languages: English, Spanish and French.

Canada’s leading expert on trade and tariffs, Steve is the preeminent advisor to government leaders and the nation’s largest, most powerful corporations and industry groups. As Canada’s Chief Trade Negotiator, Steve was responsible for negotiating CUSMA/USMCA and the Canada-European Union trade agreement. Hailed by media and pundits as the “most important Canadian you’ve probably never heard of,” Steve’s network, expertise and relationships in domestic and international markets is unparalleled and his support for clients is game-changing.

Nasim Fussell serves as Vice President of Trade and International at Business Roundtable, where she leads the organization’s efforts to advance policies that promote U.S. economic growth through international trade and investment.

Prior to joining Business Roundtable, Nasim was a Senior Vice President at a government relations and public affairs firm, where she led the organization’s International Trade practice.

Before that, Nasim held senior roles in both chambers of Congress. She served as Chief International Trade Counsel for the Senate Finance Committee under Chairman Chuck Grassley, and as Deputy Chief International Trade Counsel under Chairman Orrin Hatch. In the House, she was Trade Counsel for the Ways and Means Committee under Chairmen Brady, Ryan and Camp. Throughout her tenure on the Hill, Nasim contributed to major legislative initiatives including the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Trade Promotion Authority, and customs modernization reforms, among others.

Nasim also brings private sector experience from her work as a partner at a global law firm, as well as in-house roles at multinational companies and a cross-sector trade association. She began her legal career at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Nasim currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Washington International Trade Association (WITA). She holds an LL.M. in International and Comparative Law from the George Washington University Law School, a J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law, and a B.A. in History from the University of Michigan.