The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was a landmark trade deal that aimed to create one of the world's largest free trade zones. Following extensive negotiations that began in the early 1990s, the agreement was signed by leaders from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. By eliminating tariffs and reducing barriers to trade and investment, NAFTA sought to boost economic growth and create jobs across North America. On November 18, 1993, after a significant and contentious political process, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of the agreement, marking a pivotal moment for international trade policy in the U.S. The debate leading up to the vote highlighted stark divisions, with proponents arguing that it would lead to economic growth and increased competitiveness, while opponents raised concerns over job losses and environmental impacts.President Bill Clinton strongly supported the agreement, aligning it with his broader economic policy goals of modernization and job creation in a global economy. The vote in the House followed a similar approval in the Senate, and it demonstrated how trade policy was viewed as a critical component of the economic strategies in the early 1990s. Ultimately, NAFTA came into effect on January 1, 1994, generating extensive debate about its long-term effects on jobs, trade balances, and economic inequality in the following years. As a response, many industries began to restructure their operations, bridging complex discussions about trade fairness and economic displacement.