Brownsville Federal Legislative Priorities: Infrastructure, Energy & Trade

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce has finalized its plans for 2025 Brownsville Chamber Washington, D.C. Fly-In.

More than 30 officials from the public and private sectors will participate. They will depart Brownsville on Sept. 9 and return Sept. 11. 

The officials will promote Brownsville’s federal legislative priorities. One of the priorities focuses on infrastructure, energy and trade.

Here are Brownsville’s priorities in infrastructure, energy and trade:

Infrastructure, Energy & Trade

Energy Infrastructure and Grid Reliability

Advocate for increased federal support to upgrade transmission infrastructure to accommodate increased electrification, population growth and the rise of energy intensive industries (e.g., data centers, manufacturing, aerospace).

Oppose federal energy policies that unfairly shift costs or limit electricity availability to business and industrial consumers, ensure that reliability and affordability are balanced for both residential and commercial users. 

Promote a balanced ‘all-of-the-above-and-below’ energy strategy to create a more reliable electric grid. This includes support for:

• Traditional oil and gas.
• Preserve and expand clean energy tax credits for solar, wind and battery storage, amid recent federal rollbacks.
• Invest in emerging technologies such as carbon capture, geothermal, hydrogen, modular nuclear, and long duration storage.

The $18.4 billion Rio Grande LNG project is the largest greenfield energy project financing in US history. With over with over 2,600 employees currently, and projections to reach 5,000 soon, this project is central to US LNG’s role in the global energy transition.

• Advocate for bills such as the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential (H.R. 1949) aimed to repeal restrictions on LNG exports and imports.

Trade and Transportation Infrastructure

Advocate for modernized infrastructure at Texas ports of entry, including funding for technological upgrades at the border to expedite trade and combat illicit activity. 

Maximize Texas' allocation from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for broadband, ports, rail and highways.

Secure federal reimbursement for Texas investments in border infrastructure and security, aligning with the state's role as a critical hub for international trade.

Support comprehensive immigration reform that includes retaining the TN Visa program under USMCA to meet the growing workforce demands of Texas businesses.

Support pathways for DACA recipient recipients facilitating their integration into the workforce.

Support the $25 million TxDOT request for short line rail improvements, including upgrades to the Brownsville & Rio Grande International Railway (OmniTRAX) to enhance freight logistics and improve port-to-national network connections.

Call for federal action to streamline customs and inspection processes at land ports of entry. 

• Urge consistent inspection practices by CBP and DPS to avoid unnecessary delays and maintain efficient flow of goods and services.
• Support funding for port-of-entry modernization and staffing.