AUSTIN, Texas – U.S. Rep. Michael T. McCaul and four other members of Congress from Texas have introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives that underscores the importance of the United States-Mexico relationship.
McCaul, a Republican from Austin who chairs the House Committee on Homeland Security, says the U.S.-Mexico relationship is built on mutual trust. “The resolution specifically calls for the deepening of our strategic alliance through increased economic and security cooperation,” McCaul said.
The resolution has been co-authored by U.S. Rep. Eliot L. Engel, a Democrat from New York and ranking member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Original cosponsors of H.Res.336 include Reps. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey, Sean Duffy, R-Wisconsin, Linda Sánchez, D-California, Will Hurd, R-Texas, Zoe Lofgren, D-California, Martha McSally, R-Arizona, Norma Torres, D-California, David Valadao, R-California, Jared Polis, D-Colorado, Ted Poe, R-Texas, Gene Green, D-Texas, and Henry Cuellar, D-Texas.
“For years, the United States and Mexico have benefited from bilateral cooperation on issues critical to the national and economic security interests of our respective countries. As our third largest trading partner, we are mutually reliant on the need for a secure border and the free flow of commerce,” McCaul said.
“While there are areas in our relationship that can be improved, the role Mexico plays in enhancing our security and bolstering our economy cannot be overstated. As we move forward in our relationship, we must not forget this. That is why I am proud to cosponsor this resolution to reaffirm our strong, longstanding partnership with Mexico and highlight ongoing efforts between our two countries to strengthen cooperation. A stronger relationship we have with Mexico means a stronger and safer homeland for Americans.”
Under the resolution, the U.S. House would:
1) reaffirm its strong commitment to a United States-Mexico partnership based on mutual respect and the promotion of shared democratic values and principles;
2) support continued bilateral cooperation through the High Level Economic Dialogue on issues related to the economic well-being and security of both countries;
3) encourage continued security cooperation between the United States and Mexican law enforcement agencies and its military, including on violence reduction in Mexico, counter-terrorism and the increased trafficking of heroin and fentanyl;
4) support continued engagement with Mexico to tackle regional issues and work together in international fora, including the United Nations and the Organization of American States;
5) support efforts by the Government of Mexico to strengthen the rule of law, reduce corruption, and advance civil and human rights.
Congressman Engel said: “It’s hard to overstate the importance of the U.S.-Mexico relationship and the enormous impact it has on Americans every single day. Mexico is a friend and an ally, our third largest trading partner and a country with which we share deep person-to-person, cultural and family ties. It is also a country with which we’ve painstakingly cultivated a vibrant, critical partnership. We’ve come too far to turn back now, and Congress must reject all efforts to downgrade our bilateral relationship.”
Click here to read H.Res.336.
Editor’s Note: The main image accompanying this story shows Congressmen Michael McCaul and Henry Cuellar receiving a briefing from US Customs and Border Protection agents about unmanned aerial vehicles and Texas UAV operations based in Corpus Christi. (Congressional photo)
