Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 10/23/19

Senate Finance Chairman Chuck Grassley said he's "very worried for the first time" that Congress won't sign off on the new NAFTA deal by the end of the year, report Pro Trade's Megan Cassella and Adam Behsudi. 

The Iowa Republican has long maintained an upbeat view of the negotiations between the Trump administration and House Democrats, who are working on potential changes to the deal. But as the talks stretch into their fourth month — and with just 22 legislative days remaining in 2019 — Grassley said he's losing faith.

He also cautioned U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer against caving to Democrats, suggesting that changing the trade deal's labor, environmental, enforcement and prescription drug provisions too much could jeopardize Republican support. The trade chief will meet with House Democrats this morning, our Pro Trade pals tell MA.