Today, Senator John Cornyn (TX) and Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) sent a letter to Ambassador Robert E. Lighthizer, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, requesting that he meet with all Members of Congress representing constituencies along the U.S.-Mexico border to discuss modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The letter is attached. It reads:

Dear Ambassador Lighthizer:

Upon your May 18, 2017, notification to Congress of the Administration’s intent to “initiate negotiations with Canada and Mexico regarding modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA),” and pledge that you “will consult closely with Congress in developing our negotiating positions,” we write to you to request a meeting with all Members of Congress representing constituencies along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The U.S.-Mexico border region is unique and with over $579 billion in two-way trade between the US and Mexico in 2016 the border region knows the opportunities and challenges of North American trade better than most.  We ask that you sit with us for a substantive discussion of the role this trade plays in the economy of our region and take these considerations into mind as you negotiate a 21^st Century NAFTA agreement. 

Senator Cornyn and Congressman Cuellar have consistently worked together on this issue. In April, the two co-hosted a Laredo roundtable discussion on the subject with business leaders from both sides of the border.