Press Release
Rep. Cuellar Helps Secure Funding to Designate Border Infrastructure CoordinatorNew position will facilitate more efficient trade at the southern border
Washington | Charlotte Laracy, DC Press Secretary (202-226-1583); Leslie Martinez, District Press Secretary (956-286-6007),
June 24, 2019
Rep. Cuellar Helps Secure Funding to Designate Border Infrastructure Coordinator New position will facilitate more efficient trade at the southern border Washington, D.C.— To ensure the United States has the trade infrastructure in place to support the continued growth of trade at our southern border, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secured language in the Appropriations Committee that establishes a border infrastructure coordinator. This position is responsible for coordination between the U.S. Department of Transportation, the General Services Administration, the Department of Homeland Security- Customs and Border Protection, and other Federal agencies responsible for facilitating trade between the U.S. and Mexican government. The Border Infrastructure Coordinator is designated and funded under the FY20 Appropriations Financial Service and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittee Bill as well as the FY20 Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee Bill. “Mexico is the number one trading partner with the United States. Nearly $1.7 billion in goods flow across our southern border every day. In 2018, trade between the U.S. and Mexico exceeded $611.5 billion,” said Congressman Cuellar. “As a representative of many ports of entry, I understand the need for critical investments at our southern border to ensure trade is efficient and productive. The Border Infrastructure Coordinator will enable faster and more efficient movement of both cargo and passenger traffic. Creating this much-needed position will help foster economic growth and development in South Texas.” “I thank my fellow Appropriators, FSGG Appropriation Subcommittee Chairman Quigley, THUD Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Price, as well as Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Lowey and Committee Ranking Member Granger for working with me to include this necessary language.” “On behalf of the cross-border trade community, we appreciate Congressman Cuellar’s hard work and focus on infrastructure challenges facing the U.S.-Mexico border,” said Border Trade Alliance President Britton Clarke. “Aging infrastructure often leads to increased congestion, delays in crossing times, and increased costs, all of which negatively impact our economy. The Border Trade Alliance agrees with Rep. Cuellar that a Border Infrastructure Coordinator is essential to ensure that all relevant agencies are closely aligned in modernizing trade- and travel-facilitating border infrastructure.” “International trade is the backbone of business in the United States,” said Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz. “American consumers win when our legislators support cross-border trade, and when we have strong trade deals with key partner countries like Mexico. As Laredo continues growing as a global leader in trade, we thank Congressman Cuellar for his leadership in securing funding for this position and for making trade and jobs a priority in Laredo and across the district.” A summary of the FY20 Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee bill is here. A summary of the FY20 Appropriations Financial Service and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittee bill is here.
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