Senate approves revised North American trade agreement News
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Senate approves revised North American trade agreement

The US Senate approved the revised United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on Thursday by a vote of 89-10.

The goal of USMCA is to expand trade between the US, Mexico and Canada. The bill was approved by the House in December by a 385-41 vote.

The USMCA is the replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), passed in 1993. The USMCA is largely the same text with updates such as revised guidelines for anti-corruption, food safety, online data flows and e-commerce.  Provisions are now included to help identify and stop labor violations. Another component included in the USMCA is higher thresholds for how much of a vehicle must be made in North America to avoid tariffs.

The agreement now will be sent to President Donald Trump’s desk for final approval.

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.