Texas Border Business
Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) celebrated the Starr-Camargo Bridge Expansion Act being signed into law – legislation that he led with Senator John Cornyn. The bill allows for an expansion of the Starr-Camargo Bridge in Rio Grande City, which acts as a vital trade link between Texas and Mexico.
“In 2023, Mexico ranked first among all U.S. trading partners, with $798.8 billion in total trade in goods. The Starr-Camargo Bridge facilitates hundreds of millions of dollars of this cross-border trade and serves as a crucial connector between South Texas and Mexico,” said Congressman Cuellar. “The proposed expansion project will ease congestion, reduce truck idling at the port of entry, and help alleviate supply chain issues. I would like to thank Senator Cornyn, Senator Cruz, Senator Kelly, Chairman McCaul, Ranking Member Meeks, Representative Lawler, and Representative Castro for their leadership and help in getting this done.”
“The Starr Camargo Bridge Expansion Act is a significant step towards continuing our promotion of efficient cross-border commerce. In addition, the ability for multimodule growth will greatly increase the capacity for diverse trade and enhanced economic opportunities. We congratulate everyone involved in making this effort a reality,” said Starr County Judge Eloy Vera.
“Trade between the U.S. and Mexico totaled nearly $800 billion last year and sustains millions of American jobs, but border bottlenecks threaten to limit economic growth,” said American Trucking Associations Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom. “We applaud Senator Cornyn and Congressman Cuellar for leading this effort to expand the Starr-Camargo Bridge in South Texas. By increasing the capacity of this critical link in the supply chain, this legislation will help prevent truck drivers from being stuck in traffic, catalyze the return of manufacturers to North America, and support businesses and farmers on both sides of the border.”
Congressman Cuellar introduced the House companion bill, H.R. 3569, which passed in Committee.
The Starr-Camargo Bridge is a privately owned toll bridge. The bridge’s previous authorization for construction expired, and an extension is required to pursue the planned expansion project and rail bridge addition. Tolls will pay for the expansion at no cost to the taxpayers. The bridge will also not require a Presidential permit to expand since the bridge predates the 1972 International Bridge Act.
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