By Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28)
In recent years, several disruptions derived from the COVID-19 pandemic and border security issues have negatively impacted our supply chains along the southern border. These challenges have accentuated infrastructure inefficiencies and have introduced the need for a more resilient supply chain. As vice chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I have worked diligently to improve our border infrastructure and create a more resilient, more efficient, and safer border that will enhance our shared commerce with Mexico.
The United States and Mexico are connected by strong economic ties. Not only is Mexico one of the United States’ largest goods trading partner, but our southern neighbor may also be the solution to unreliable global supply chains. Mexico is the second largest economy in Latin America, behind Brazil, making it a partner with a strong logistical capability. Mexico’s location also makes it a gateway to markets in Central and South America.
Trade between the U.S. and Mexico is indispensable for the prosperity of both economies. The United States is Mexico’s primary export market for goods, with approximately 80 percent of Mexican exports directed to the U.S. After the enactment of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994, U.S. merchandise exports to Mexico increased from $41.6 billion in 1993 to a peak of $265.9 billion in 2018, while U.S. merchandise imports from Mexico have increased from $39.9 billion in 1993 to $358 billion in 2019. Most of this trade transited through land ports of entry across our southern border.
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement(USMCA) strengthened this relationship when it came into force in 2020. However, in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted economic activity across the globe, forcing companies to reconfigure their supply chains with the aim of making them more flexible, agile, and resilient. Coupled with rising security threats in fentanyl trafficking, arms trafficking, human smuggling, and the influx of migrants coming into our country, these challenges exposed many inefficiencies in our supply chains and highlighted the need to improve our border infrastructure. These issues present significant obstacles to the efficient flow of commerce and trade to the U.S., making efforts to improve and modernize our land ports essential.
As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I secured language authorizing the designation of a future I-27 interstate across Texas and to New Mexico. I also secured $7.5 million for the I-35 corridor project to conduct comprehensive evaluations and analyses from ports of entry to inland ports. Additionally, the fiscal year 2022 appropriations legislation included $245 million in federal funding for rail-highway improvements, more than $2 billion for highway infrastructure programs, and $625 million for consolidated rail infrastructure and safety improvements.
With this interstate development, Laredo will become the only land port of entry with access to four major interstate corridors: I-35, I-69, I-2 (83 South), and I-27. This will help facilitate the approximately 6.9 million commercial trucks that cross the U.S.-Mexico border every year. Additionally, the I-27 corridor will help facilitate goods traveling to more than 60 countries.
Additionally, to ensure the resiliency of our supply chains, I included language in the current appropriations legislation which will direct the State Department to report on efforts to bolster our North American supply chains. This report will focus on critical emerging technologies, such as semiconductors and healthcare industry products, and will help fortify our supply chains so we can quickly respond to disruptions caused by security challenges or other emergencies.
Furthermore, I have worked to ensure our U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel have the resources they need to secure our border while not hindering commerce. The fiscal year 2023 appropriations legislation recommends $15.74 billion for CBP, which is an increase of $893.8 million over the previous year. This recommendation includes an increase of $50 million for non-intrusive inspection equipment to improve safety with a minimal impact on the flow of goods. I have also ensured language is included in the bill to direct the U.S. Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on federal efforts to modernize land ports of entry. The study will include a description of how agencies determine and prioritize modernization projects and will help ensure our ports are modernized efficiently and effectively.
Last November, I also voted in favor of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included $3.4 billion for 26 major construction and modernization projects at land ports of entry on the northern and southern borders. All these projects will create local jobs and reinforce security and safety while making our supply chains more resilient.
About Congressman Henry Cuellar
American attorney and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Texas’s 28th Congressional District since 2005, which includes the cities of Laredo, Mission, Rio Grande City, and San Antonio.
Congressman Cuellar is the only Texas Democrat serving on the powerful U.S. House Appropriations Committee. He is the vice chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, while also serving on the Defense Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. Congressman Cuellar was named Chief Deputy Whip for the 117th Congress, where he works in a bipartisan manner to serve the American people.
Congressman Cuellar supports equal opportunity for men and women of all backgrounds. His legislative principles are based on the belief that education, family values, and hard work should open doors to new opportunities for all Americans.
