Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON D.C. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today released the following statement after U.S. and Mexican officials signed a three-year memorandum of understanding between the United States and Mexico on cargo trucks:
This agreement is great news for Texas producers and an important step to more open transparent and efficient trade between the two countries. Lower tariffs mean more jobs in the 28th District of Texas and throughout the country.
This agreement will create more jobs and help increase the flow of goods and products that drive economic growth. Every day more than $1 billion in goods move across the U.S.-Mexico border. Now this number will be even higher. This historic and important agreement has far-reaching implications that will benefit both countries for years to come."
Background:
The agreement signed today calls for the immediate lift of 50 percent of the tariffs to allow U.S. cargo trucks to travel into Mexico. The agreement also establishes a reciprocal phased-in pilot program that allows Mexican trucks to operate inside the U.S. provided they comply with a series of safety and driver skills and language tests monitored by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The remaining 50 percent of tariffs would be lifted when the first Mexican carrier receives authorization under the new program.
Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security and Agriculture Committees. Job creation accessibility to constituents education economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Vice Chairman of the Steering and Policy Committee Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.