Senator Cornyn unveils website for Spanish-speaking Texans

MISSION, RGV – U.S. Senator John Cornyn has today become the first member of the Texas Congressional delegation to have a dedicated website for Spanish-speaking Texans.

The website address is: https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/es

“I’m proud to represent a state as diverse as Texas,” Cornyn, R-Texas, said. “This will help me better serve Spanish-speaking Texans as we continue to expand how we engage with the nearly 28 million people who call our state home.”

Naturally enough, he also relayed news of the website in Spanish:

“Me siento orgulloso de representar a un estado tan diverso como Texas”, dijo el Senador Cornyn. “Esto me ayudará a servir mejor a nuestros Tejanos de hablantes hispanos mientras seguimos ampliando como nos involucramos con los casi 28 millones de personas que han hecho Texas su hogar.”

Roundtable discussion

Cornyn has two public events in South Texas today. In Laredo, in the early afternoon, Cornyn will conduct a roundtable discussion with local business leaders and elected officials to get their views on trade policy priorities, and specifically the North American Free Trade Agreement. President Trump has vowed to overhaul NAFTA. Cornyn has cautioned against radical changes to the agreement. U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar will co-host the roundtable discussion.

Among those slated to participate in the roundtable discussion are Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz, Laredo Development Foundation Executive Director Olivia Varela, Laredo Chamber of Commerce President Miguel Conchas, Eduardo Garza, owner of Uni-Trade Forwarding, and the leadership of local businesses.

In a media advisory, Cornyn pointed to data from the Laredo Development Foundation, which reported last year that more than half of all trade between the U.S. and Mexico came through Laredo. In fact, the Port of Laredo is the highest volume inland port in the United States with over $525.1 billion in imports and exports. “Both Sen. Cornyn and Rep. Cuellar have been strong proponents of a robust free trade policy,” the advisory noted.

Following the roundtable discussion, Cornyn and Cuellar will tour the Uni-Trade Forwarding warehouse and hold a joint press conference.

Anzalduas Bridge award

In late afternoon, Cornyn visits Anzalduas International Bridge in Mission, where he will be honored by the Anzalduas International Bridge Board.

McAllen Mayor Jim Darling said the Bridge Board has chosen to dedicate the Anzalduas International Bridge Administrative Building to Cornyn “because of his lifetime of service to the country, state, and region.”

Darling told the Rio Grande Guardian that Cornyn has been a champion for the Rio Grande Valley when it comes to immigration and border bridge infrastructure.

“The Senator has been a champion of improved trade opportunities while in the Senate and has worked closely with communities in the Rio Grande Valley and throughout the border region to enhance legitimate trade and travel,” Darling said.

“He has done a lot for our bridges, working with CBP and Customs. He worked on the public-private partnership program that allows more infrastructure and personnel. He’s done things on immigration, such as providing more judges – not to send more people back but to have a smoother legal process. I think there is nothing worse than to send someone up to Duluth, Minnesota, for three years and then they get deported. The important thing is to provide due process. We want to recognize the Senator’s achievements.”

Following a reception with local community and business leaders, the Anzalduas International Bridge Board will hold a dedication and plaque unveiling ceremony. They will then hold a joint press conference with Sen. Cornyn.

Among those slated to attend, in addition to Darling, are Tamaulipas Gov. Francisco Garcia Cabeza de Vaca, Mission Mayor Norberto Salinas, Granjeno Mayor Yvette Cabrera, Hidalgo Mayor Martin Cepeda, Mayor, and City of McAllen Superintendent of Bridges Rigoberto Villarreal.