Cuellar: U.S.-Mexico trade has now reached $1.4 million per minute

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – International trade between the United States and Mexico has increased to $1.4 million per minute, reports Congressman Henry Cuellar.

Cuellar spoke about border commerce on the floor of the House of Representatives as he thanked his colleagues for passing legislation to help the Starr-Camargo Bridge Company.

“Trade between the U.S. and Mexico has been tremendous,” Cuellar said. “In fact, just last year, trade between the U.S. and Mexico, our number one trading partner, reached $798.9 billion.

“I would say that in the next four or five years, trade between the U.S. and Mexico will increase to a trillion dollars. And if you look at it right now, every minute, you have $1.4 million of trade between the U.S. and Mexico.

“What does that mean? That means jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs.”

Explaining the bill that helps the Starr-Camargo Bridge Company, Cuellar said the Starr-Camargo Bridge Expansion Act would give authority to increase the number of lanes for the bridge between Rio Grande City, Texas, and Camargo, Mexico.

Cuellar said the bridge’s previous authorization for construction expired, and an extension is required to pursue a planned expansion project and rail bridge addition.

Cuellar said the bridge will not require a Presidential permit to expand since the bridge predates the 1972 International Bridge Act.   

“This bill allows the Starr-Camargo bridge, a privately-owned toll bridge between Texas and Mexico, to expand and become multimodal. This bridge’s previous authorization for construction expired. So, we are coming back for an extension to make sure that we pursue the planned expansion project and also add a rail bridge.

“Also, the planned expansion will ease congestion, reduce truck idling and waiting at the port of entry, and alleviate the supply chain issues.”

Cuellar added: “This expansion will be paid by tolls, at no cost to any of the taxpayers. But this bridge also will serve as a vital trade link between the United States and Mexico.”

Starr County Judge Eloy Vera supported the legislation.

“The passage of the Starr-Camargo Bridge Expansion Act is a significant step towards continuing our promotion of efficient cross-border commerce,” Vera said. “In addition, the ability for multimodal growth will greatly increase the capacity for diverse trade and enhanced economic opportunities. We congratulate everyone involved in making this effort a reality.”

Cuellar’s legislation in the House was cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul of Austin, Texas, Joaquin Castro of San Antonio, Texas, and Michael Lawler of New York.

The bill was carried in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, both of Texas, and Mark Kelly of Arizona.

Sen. Cruz said: “I am proud to have partnered with Senator Cornyn on the Starr-Camargo and many other cross-border bridge projects—like the World Trade Bridge in Laredo—that are essential to interstate commerce. These bridges will not only improve trade between the U.S. and Mexico but bring more jobs to Texas and promote a mutually beneficial relationship with our neighbor to the south.”

Sen. Cornyn said: “The Starr-Camargo Bridge has been invaluable to the economy of South Texas and the nation. This international bridge will help ease congestion and supply chain issues at this critical port of entry at no cost to taxpayers, and I urge the President to sign this legislation into law without delay.”

Sen. Kelly said: “Strengthening our infrastructure at key international crossings like the Starr-Camargo Bridge is essential for boosting our economy and ensuring the smooth flow of goods across our borders. Expansion will not only ease congestion and enhance trade, but also support American jobs and businesses—all without burdening taxpayers. I look forward to the President signing this bipartisan legislation into law.”

The bill now heads to the President’s desk for signature.

Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of Congressman Henry Cuellar’s remarks on the House floor about the Starr-Camargo Bridge legislation:

Here is a video recording produced by the Starr-Camargo Bridge Company:

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