Sens. Cornyn, Martinez Discuss Importance of Striking Right Balance Between Successful Trade and Effective Security

Statement

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, today issued the following statement after hosting a press conference in Laredo with U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Florida, to discuss trade, immigration and border security:

"I'm thankful Sen. Martinez was able to join me today in Laredo to discuss a number of issues relating to international trade and commerce, border security, and lawful immigration. As the U.S. Senator from Florida—a state only second to Texas in exports—he knows firsthand some of the similar challenges that law enforcement officials and leaders here in Laredo face every day.

"Laredo is growing at record speed. To ensure this growth continues, we must put policies in place that promote free trade and make the exportation of Texas-made goods as efficient a process as possible. At the same time, it's critical that we strike the right balance between successful trade operations and effective security that keeps Texas and the country safe. One area where we can strike this balance is at our ports of entry. I've introduced legislation that would boost efficiency for trade by improving infrastructure at our ports of entry and adding more lanes to reduce wait times. On the security front, this bill also provides for additional resources to hire more inspectors to ensure security operations are top-notch," Sen. Cornyn said.

"Sen. Martinez and I also stressed the importance of passing the Colombia Free Trade Agreement. This is a historic opportunity to boost exports and create jobs in top trade states like Texas and Florida. We've already seen the benefits of NAFTA—Laredo can attribute much of its economic growth to this trade agreement as the most competitive NAFTA crossing in the nation. Congressional leadership must put partisanship aside and pass this agreement soon to bring down tariffs, bolster demand for Texas goods and create jobs in Laredo and across Texas."

Additionally, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), who represents Laredo in the United States House of Representatives, issued the following statement regarding the press conference:

"I thank Sens. John Cornyn and Mel Martinez for visiting the Gateway City to talk about trade along the Texas-Mexico border. I am a big supporter of the Columbian Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA, and CAFTA, knowing that it removes trade barriers, expands export opportunities and boosts hope and opportunity throughout Latin America. CAFTA members have seen huge benefits as a result. Investment is up significantly across the board as a result of NAFTA and CAFTA, economies are growing, and improvements are being felt in many regions of the country."

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