The United States House of Representatives played a pivotal role in shaping North American trade policy when it passed the resolution to establish the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This landmark agreement aimed to eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, thus paving the way for an unprecedented free trade zone. The push for NAFTA emerged from the desire to create a more competitive economic environment by significantly enhancing trade relations among these neighboring countries. The significance of this agreement lay not only in potential economic growth but also in solidifying political ties in the post-Cold War era.

President Bill Clinton advocated strongly for NAFTA, emphasizing it as a critical element of his economic plan. The debate surrounding the agreement was fierce, highlighting concerns among various groups, including labor unions and environmental advocates, who feared job losses and environmental degradation. Nonetheless, supporters argued that NAFTA would promote trade, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in all three countries. Following intensive discussions and negotiations, the House of Representatives voted to pass the resolution amidst a backdrop of complex political maneuvering and public discourse on the agreement's implications.

The passage of NAFTA marked a major shift in U.S. economic policy and set a precedent for future trade agreements. It indicated a growing trend toward globalization, asserting that nations could benefit from an interconnected market and collaborative economic strategies. The agreement required significant adjustments in trade practices and regulations, leading to the establishment of various commissions to monitor compliance and address disputes. Over the years, the impacts of NAFTA sparked ongoing debates about its effectiveness and consequences, setting the stage for discussions regarding trade reforms in the following decades.