Austin News

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has achieved a major bipartisan and bicameral victory for South Texas with the passage of legislation to streamline the permitting process for new and expanded bridges across the Rio Grande. This victory was made possible by the collaboration of Texas legislators, including Senator John Cornyn and Representatives Henry Cuellar, Tony Gonzales, Vicente Gonzalez, and Monica de la Cruz.

The legislation has immediate benefits for the construction projects in the South Texas area. It will expedite the construction of new bridges and the expansion of existing ones, such as the World Trade Bridge in Laredo. Senator Cruz has been advocating for a faster permitting process since 2021 when city leaders in Laredo raised concerns about roadblocks in the approval process due to new environmental requirements.

In an interview with The Daily Signal, Senator Cruz highlighted the significance of the legislation in bringing manufacturing back from China to the United States or Mexico. He emphasized that the bill benefits national security and described it as "the most significant effort to increase commerce since the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement in 2020."

The bipartisan efforts to improve border crossings and boost trade and tourism were celebrated at an event in Laredo. Senator Cruz, along with the governor of the Mexican state of Tamaulipas and other border leaders, came together to promote the new U.S. law that will expedite the expansion and creation of several international bridges. Congressman Cuellar expressed his satisfaction with the bipartisan work, stating, "This is the type of news that we want to see here at the border; legitimate trade and tourism and the efficiency of this."

The passage of the proposal to reform the presidential permitting process for border bridges was celebrated by various political figures at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo. Senator Cruz expressed his excitement, saying, "Bridges all around the Rio Grande -- we will have four different bridge projects that now will have the greenlight to move forward. This is a win."

The streamlined approval process for international bridge projects in South Texas is a significant development that aims to increase commerce between the U.S. and Mexico. Senator Cruz and Congressman Cuellar led the effort to set a maximum 120-day timeline for the president to decide on permit approval. Previously, the process required an environmental review, which could take years, before the president could make a decision.

The new bipartisan border law, supported by elected leaders and city officials, is set to expand international trade with Mexico, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs. Senator Cruz highlighted the importance of the bridges in South Texas, stating, "That's the lifeblood of South Texas."

Glenn Hamer, President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, praised the legislation as "the most significant effort to increase commerce since the passage of the USMCA." He emphasized the importance of speeding up trade arteries and building up infrastructure, as Mexico is now the number one trading partner of the United States.

The signing of the presidential permit for the bridge expansion project at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo is a significant step towards its completion. This project is crucial for the over $800 billion in trade and commerce that goes through the bridge, making it one of the busiest between the United States and Mexico.

The success of Senator Cruz's bipartisan efforts to streamline the permitting process for Texas-Mexico bridge projects is supported by various stakeholders, including the Texas Association of Business, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Border Trade Alliance. The legislation is seen as a positive step towards improving supply chain resiliency and promoting economic growth in the region.

This major bipartisan and bicameral victory for South Texas demonstrates the dedication of Texas legislators to expand the state's economy and enhance the bilateral relationship with Mexico. It showcases the power of collaboration and the positive impact it can have on job creation, trade, and tourism in the region.