Cornyn Bill to Encourage Public-Private Partnerships at Border Clears Committee

Press Release

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) issued the following statement after the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee passed his Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation to encourage public-private partnerships to boost staffing and make infrastructure improvements at U.S. ports of entry without adding to the deficit:

"A robust economic relationship with Mexico is critical to both the Texas and U.S. economies, and public-private partnerships can help boost legitimate trade and travel at our ports of entry," Sen. Cornyn said. "I appreciate Chairman Johnson's commitment to this important issue and will continue to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this bill through the Senate."

U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) is the lead sponsor of the companion bill in the House of Representatives.

The legislation, based on input from border community leaders, would give U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) the authority to enter into innovative partnerships with local governments and private sector entities. As federal resources remain scarce, port communities have sought alternate avenues to ensure essential needs are met in the face of continued federal inaction. This authority allows CBP to better leverage limited resources to speed up the flow of traffic at international ports of entry. Partnerships with local governments and the private sector will support improvements to border infrastructure and enhance staffing levels across port environments.

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