Austin News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) have written a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging the Biden administration to approve Maverick County, Texas's request to build a key cross-border bridge between Eagle Pass, Texas and Mexico. The bridge, known as the Puerto Verde Global Trade Bridge (PVGTB), would support international trade, address supply chain challenges, and promote economic development and security in the region.

In their letter, Sens. Cruz and Cornyn highlighted the importance of a strong and stable transportation connection between the United States and Mexico. They emphasized that the PVGTB would close a critical infrastructure gap and prevent processing delays that could hinder trade activity. The senators also pointed out that the project would attract significant investment to the economically disadvantaged Maverick County region.

The security of the southern border was also emphasized in the letter. Sens. Cruz and Cornyn stressed the need for adequate infrastructure and workforce to process goods and people at the border. Maverick County has worked diligently to secure community support for the project and the required infrastructure, which would enhance border security and increase inspection rates.

The senators respectfully requested that the Biden administration expedite the processing of Maverick County's application for a Presidential permit for the PVGTB and submit a favorable foreign policy recommendation to the President.

This letter is part of Senator Cruz's ongoing bipartisan, bicameral effort to see that four key Texas-Mexico bridge projects are permitted and built. In July 2023, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee adopted Sen. Cruz's amendment to streamline the presidential permitting process for building key bridges across the Rio Grande. The amendment received bipartisan support and gives the State Department sixty days to make a recommendation to the president on whether to grant permits to the four international Texas bridge projects.

Sen. Cruz's efforts have garnered support from a diverse group of stakeholders, including the Texas Association of Business, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Laredo Motor Carriers Association, and the Border Trade Alliance.

The request from Sens. Cruz and Cornyn comes after previous letters sent to Secretary Blinken and President Biden expressing frustration over the delayed issuance of presidential permits for the Texas-Mexico bridge projects. The senators have emphasized the importance of these bridges in creating jobs, improving supply chain resiliency, and promoting economic growth.

With the support of both Democrats and Republicans in the south Texas congressional delegation, Sens. Cruz and Cornyn are hopeful that their ongoing efforts will lead to the timely approval and construction of these critical Texas-Mexico bridge projects.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-cruz-cornyn-urge-biden-administration-to-approve-maverick-countys-request-to-build-key-texas-mexico-bridge