WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro, a Democrat from San Antonio, Texas, and Congressman Rudy Yakym, a Republican of South Bend, Indiana, have launched the bipartisan U.S.-Mexico Caucus.
They said the caucus will focus on strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico and facilitating a dialogue on trade, security and culture.
“I am thrilled to announce the official launch of the U.S.-Mexico Caucus to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Mexico. Our shared border, history and interests—particularly in trade, migration, and security—make the creation of this caucus relevant now more than ever. I am looking forward to working with Congressman Yakym and my colleagues to continue building a bipartisan and collaborative U.S.-Mexico relationship and strengthening our bilateral policy approach,” said Rep. Castro, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.
"I'm proud to co-chair the U.S.-Mexico Congressional Caucus and help foster strong relations between our two countries. The U.S.-Mexico relationship is important for our shared economic security and national security. Hoosier manufacturers and farmers rely on Mexico for inputs and exports, while our communities count on a strong security relationship to keep fentanyl and other deadly drugs off the streets. I look forward to this caucus serving as a forum to deepen that relationship.” Rep. Yakym said.
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, Texas, is a member of the new caucus.
“As Co-Chair of the U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Group, I know how important the U.S.-Mexico relationship remains for Laredo and communities across South Texas,” Cuellar said. “Our economy, trade corridors, and daily way of life depend on strong coordination between both countries. Both nations need to continue working together to address security challenges, water issues, and strengthen military coordination along the border. This caucus will help bring leaders to the table, improve communication, and support the businesses, workers, and families who rely on a strong U.S.-Mexico partnership every day. I would like to thank Co-Chairs Congressman Castro and Congressman Yakym for leading this initiative.”
The inaugural members of the U.S.-Mexico Caucus are:
Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20)
Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02)
Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA-33)
Rep. María Salazar (R-FL-27)
Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13)
Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06)
Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04)
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX-10)
Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16)
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02)
Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28)
“America’s security and economic future are deeply connected to our relationship with Mexico,” said Rep. Maria Salazar, chairwoman of House Foreign Affairs Western Hemisphere Subcommittee. “From immigration to trade to energy security and the fight against the cartels, these challenges demand serious cooperation and strong leadership. I’m proud to join the bipartisan US-Mexico Caucus to deepen this alliance, strengthen America’s position in the region, and help build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous hemisphere.”
Retiring Rep. Michael McCaul said: “Mexico and the United States are connected not only by our southern border, but also by mutual security challenges and shared economic interests. As the chair of the U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Group who recently led a delegation to Mexico, I’m very proud to join this caucus to ensure Congress continues to prioritize our bilateral relationship. Strengthening areas of collaboration — from agriculture to immigration to counter-narcotic efforts — will no doubt benefit both our nations and the broader region.”
Rep. Greg Stanton said: This is a critical moment in U.S.-Mexico relations. Our two nations have so much to gain by drawing closer together — especially with the USMCA review on the horizon. I look forward to working with my colleagues in this caucus to strengthen our partnership with our Mexican counterparts on trade, security, and the deep people-to-people ties that bind our communities together.”
Sergio Gonzales is founding president & CEO of the American Mexican Leadership Council. He welcomed the launch of the new caucus.
“This is about creating opportunity, prosperity and economic security for communities across the United States. So many of the sectors that drive our economy, from agriculture to finance, innovation and trade depend on a successful relationship with Mexico. America’s strength and competitiveness in the world are deeply connected to the success of this partnership,” Gonzales said.
Nathalie Rayes, is a former U.S. ambassador to Croatia. She is also founder and co-chair of the American Mexican Leadership Council.
“The launch of this bipartisan caucus sends a strong message: the U.S.-Mexico relationship transcends politics. It is about maintaining economic strength, striving towards shared security, and the millions of people whose lives are shaped by this partnership,” Rayes said.
