Congressman Henry Cuellar Passes His 10th Amendment to Increase Port Security & Maintain Flow of Trade

CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR PASSES HIS 10TH AMENDMENT TO INCREASE PORT SECURITY & MAINTAIN FLOW OF TRADE

Washington, DC- Congressman Henry Cuellar passed his 10th amendment today - a rare accomplishment for a member in their first term. He continues to rank first among his freshman colleagues in the House for amendments passed to the senate for vote. Congressman Cuellar maintains a 100% success rate in passage of amendments.

The amendment to H.R. 4954, a bill to improve maritime and cargo security through enhanced layered defenses, will be extremely effective in increasing the strength of our borders by directing the Homeland Security department to examine and report to the U.S. Congress the challenges in balancing the need for greater security while maintaining the efficient flow of trade at inland ports.

Congressman Cuellar noted "I am excited for the success of this amendment. Port security continues to be a top priority, but it is also imperative that we implement measures which will not deter the high volumes of trade that occur through these corridors daily. America depends on the commerce generated by busy inland trade ports such as Laredo and it is my goal to maintain the success rates that Laredo's ports are currently experiencing. This amendment will balance our border's need for both security and smooth flow of trade."

Congressman Cuellar has long been an advocate of legislation to facilitate trade and commerce for South Texas. Recently, Congressman Cuellar hosted U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez in Laredo who applauded Congressman Cuellar's efforts to promote trade and commerce through his support of key legislation including DR-CAFTA last year. Congressman Cuellar was also awarded the Spirit of Enterprise Award by the National Chamber of Commerce for steps he has taken for the betterment of our nation's commerce.

The magnitude of trade that is facilitated through the Gateway City accounts for a large percentage of the commerce along the IH 35 corridor. This amendment is especially beneficial to the four international bridges in Laredo which demand more security and wish to preserve the booming trade business concurrently.

This amendment will work to improve our America's overall security. It will alert the Department of Homeland Security to important issues through requiring a study and will increase our knowledge about how to better secure our ports.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Budget and Agriculture committees in the 109th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care and economic development are his priorities.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx28_cuellar/060504b.html