Austin News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) have announced that their bipartisan Starr-Camargo Bridge Expansion Act has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is now heading to the President's desk for approval.

Senator Cruz commented, “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.”

Senator Cornyn added, “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.”

Senator Kelly emphasized, “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 previously passed in the Senate on July 27, 2023. In parallel, similar legislation was introduced in the House by Representative Henry Cuellar (D-Texas-28) with cosponsors Representatives Michael McCaul (R-Texas-10), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas-20), and Michael Lawler (R-N.Y.-17).

The Starr-Camargo Bridge serves as a crucial link between Rio Grande City, Texas, and Mexican cities such as Monterrey and Mexico City, facilitating significant cross-border trade.

Last year, Senator Cruz successfully included a bipartisan provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 aimed at streamlining presidential permits for new or expanded bridges across specific counties along the Rio Grande. The provision mandates that permits must be approved or denied within 120 days by both the State Department and White House. Senator Cruz worked alongside Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Representatives Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), Monica de la Cruz (R-Texas), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) in passing this measure into law.

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