WASHINGTON, DC - The Border Trade Alliance is thrilled with the inclusion of language in the National Defense Authorization Act related to permits for international bridge projects.
The language means that the process that determines whether a presidential permit will be issued for international bridge projects will be streamlined.
The language was authored by US Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. It received bipartisan support on Capitol Hill and was supported strongly by the BTA.
BTA President Britton Mullen said the Cruz provision ensures that the State Department must, within 60 days, make a recommendation to the president on whether to issue a presidential permit for four international bridge projects at the Texas-Mexico border.
The White House will have 60 days to decide whether to grant or deny the permits.
Two of the bridge projects are in Laredo, one in Brownsville and one in Eagle Pass.
“We applaud Sen. Cruz for his bipartisan efforts to clarify and streamline the process around the issuance of presidential permits for these projects that are directly tied to the economic competitiveness of the border region and the entire country,” Mullen said.
“Decisions on presidential permits should first center on whether a project is in the foreign policy interest of the United States; environmental reviews can follow. We look forward to both chambers passing the final bill and sending it to the president for his signature.”
Since 1986, the BTA has served as a grassroots, non-profit organization that provides a forum for discussion and advocacy on issues pertaining to border development and quality of life and trade in the Americas.
Sen. Cruz said that thanks to the bipartisan legislation he championed, Texas and Mexico are one step closer to better transportation connections.
Cruz said his amendment gives the State Department 60 days to issue a recommendation to the president about whether the president should issue a permit to allow the four international Texas bridge projects to go ahead. He said the president would then have 60 days to grant or deny the permits.
Cruz said it was an important victory that will help alleviate border crossing bottlenecks, expand trade, and create jobs.
“This is a huge win for South Texas,” Cruz said. “For months, I've worked hand in hand with my Democrat and Republican colleagues to ensure that this critical provision for Texas was included in legislation that could pass Congress and be signed into law.”
Cruz said construction of the four new and expanded cross-border bridges is “vital” for the state's economy.
“These Rio Grande bridges will help farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and small businesses throughout Texas. They will support international trade, fix supply chain bottlenecks, and support economic development and security for Texas border communities,” Cruz said.
“And, given the $800 billion in trade that Texas has with Mexico each year, shortening lengthy delays in crossings will help lower the cost of goods for American families, onshore manufacturing from China, enable economic growth in the Lone Star State, and create good jobs across Texas.”
Cruz pointed out that support for his measure came from a bipartisan and bicameral coalition of Texas legislators.
In June 2023, Cruz led the entire south Texas congressional delegation, both Democrats and Republicans, in sending a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the Biden administration to resolve delays in providing permits for the four international Texas bridge projects.
Joining Sen. Cruz in sending the letter were US Sen. Cornyn, and U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar of Laredo, Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen, Monica De La Cruz of McAllen, and Tony Gonzales of San Antonio.
In October, Cruz sent a letter to President Biden, expressing frustration, “over the delayed issuance of presidential permits for key bridge projects between the United States and Mexico,” and urging the president to, “swiftly approve these four critical Texas-Mexico bridge projects that will create jobs, improve supply chain resiliency, and promote economic growth.” Joining Cruz in sending this letter were Cornyn Gonzalez, Cuellar and De La Cruz.
Cruz also listed some of the stakeholders that have supported his efforts. Namely:
