Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 7/3/19

Supporters of Trump's signature trade achievement have long said they want Congress to ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement before the August recess (which really stretches from late July to early September). But top House Democrats say they're not in any rush to hold a vote, and the pre-recess legislative window will soon slam shut.

Democratic lawmakers and aides for months have cautioned that a summer deadline to pass the USMCA was unrealistic. But now that Speaker Nancy Pelosi's nine-member working group is meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on potential changes to the deal, some aides think there's a chance of ratifying the deal in 2019, our Pro Trade friends tell MA.

One aide said a September vote is feasible, depending on how far Lighthizer is willing to go to address Democrats' concerns about enforcement, labor, environment and drug pricing provisions in the deal.

The real deadline: Many lawmakers, officials and observers around Washington agree that once the presidential election year begins, the chances of ratifying USMCA will plummet, as the 2020 campaigns use up all the oxygen on Capitol Hill.

And don't forget: Any breakthrough on USMCA depends on Trump refraining from making an impulsive move to submit the implementing legislation before Pelosi gives it her blessing. Lighthizer has recognized her role, but others in the Trump administration want the president to ratchet up the pressure on Congress.