Watch Live: Vice President Mike Pence visits New Mexico to discuss USMCA

Bryce Houston
Carlsbad Current-Argus

1:59 p.m. 

Speech is finished and Pence is set to meet with media members.

1:45 p.m. 

Pence's speech concluded by asking the crowd to call New Mexico's Congressional delegation to pass USMCA.

"Keep New Mexico's economy growing and keep energy expanding in the Permian Basin. New Mexico believes in energy independence." 

1:38 p.m.

Pence praised Artesia and Permian Basing for providing jobs and said Congress must pass USMCA. 

"USMCA is a big win for New Mexico."

Pence said the Trump administration,"put China on notice" when it comes to trade. "USMCA is a win for New Mexico and a win for America. It will guarantee no tariffs on American oil.

Vice President Mike Pence walks out to greet the crowd for his speech Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Elite Well Services in Artesia, N.M.

"The clock is ticking and I figured the best place to turn up  the heat was the heart of New Mexico.

"Say yes to America's energy independence and no to the Green New Deal."

1:28 p.m. 

Vice President Pence greeted by standing ovation.

1:24 p.m. 

David Bernhardt, secretary of interior speaking.

1:17 p.m. 

Wilbur Ross, United States commerce secretary is speaking.

"You are providing the energy independence that has alluded us since the first Arab oil embargo," he said. 

1:10 p.m.

Crowd anticipating Vice President Pence's arrival.

1:05 p.m.

"The United States is no longer at the mercy of Russia and Saudi Arabia. In New Mexico, we're playing a huge part in the energy renaissance in the United States," Flynn said of oil and gas production.  

1 p.m. 

Mark Veteto thanked Ryan Flynn and NMOGA for defending oil and gas industry. "He's one of us. NMOGA is in Santa Fe and Washington fighting for us." 

12:57 p.m.

Awaiting Vice President Pence's arrival. Was scheduled to land in Roswell after 12 p.m. 

12:51 p.m.

Artesia Mayor Raye Miller said the USMCA could take out, "some components of NAFTA that weren't fair and equitable." Miller is on stage right now with Ellis, Flynn, Josh Jemente, director of public affairs for HollyFrontier and Mark Veteto, president Me-Tex Oil and Gas. 

12:46 p.m.

Ryan Flynn, executive director of New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, said auto industry and other industries would benefit from USMCA.

12:42 p.m. 

Curtis Ellis, Senior Policy Advisor America's First Policies,says the North American Free Trade Agreement needs updating. 

12:33 p.m.

Chance Chase of Chase Energy Services leads Pledge of Allegiance. 

12:24 p.m. 

Weather in Artesia is fair and 91 with a southeast wind at 15 mph.

12:09 p.m.

Crowd is still filing in. 

11:50 a.m.

The weather is reportedly fine in Artesia, clear skies for the VP's visit today.

11 a.m.

The crowd is taking its seat ahead of the VP's visit to Elite Well Services in Artesia, N.M.

Elite Well Services, a Chase Energy company, opened in 2012.

Learn more about how the company prepared for the Vice President's visit here.

10:30 a.m.

Vice President Mike Pence, accompanied by Wilbur Ross, U.S. Secretary of Commerce and David Bernhardt, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, is on his way to New Mexico.

They are expected to land in Roswell, New Mexico and make the trip south to Artesia, arriving just before 12:30 p.m.

Pence is expected to speak on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Learn more about how the U.SMCA would impact New Mexico and Texas here.

10 a.m.

There is a line forming at Elite Well Services in Artesia as the public waits for gates to open to see Vice President Mike Pence.

Follow the action live here, or on Twitter with reporters Michael Smith at @ArgusMichae, Briana Sanchez at @brie_san11, and Bethany Freudenthal at @BethanyFreuden1.

The Vice President is expected to speak in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Learn more about the USMCA here.