The federal government shutdown has delayed analysis of the U.S. Mexico Canada Trade Agreement by the International Trade Commission. That’s needed to pave the way for Congress to ratify the deal. South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal says it needs to get done.

He says there are so many benefits to agriculture and the overall economy from the USMCA.

The ITC is required to submit their report on the USMCA by March 15. Several lawmakers are awaiting that analysis to determine how they’ll craft their positions on the deal. VanderWal says that lends a sense of urgency to complete it.

The USMCA was signed by President Trump and his counterparts on November 30 of last year.