Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 9/27/19

As much of Washington was consumed with questions about Ukraine and the impeachment inquiry, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday publicly scolded House Democrats to pass the new North American trade deal, saying that "the time for excuses is over."

In a speech on the Senate floor, the Kentucky Republican said Democrats' continued objections amount to little more than "heel-dragging," and suggested a chief reason for the pact's delay is the House's impeachment inquiry and related investigations.

"Canada, Mexico and millions of Americans are waiting for Speaker Pelosi to remember that serving the public interest requires more than just picking fights with the president," McConnell said. "It actually entails addressing the people's business."

On track? McConnell's comments come after House Democrats pledged on Wednesday that the newly launched impeachment inquiry will not affect their work with the Trump administration to negotiate changes to the deal in four core areas: labor, environment, access to medicines and enforcement.

The path to yes: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reiterated on Thursday that Democrats are committed to work out a deal and that her party remains on a "continued path to yes." Catch up on the latest from Pro Trade's Megan Cassella.