Texas House Bill HCR146

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 5/4/11
• Refer: 5/9/11
• Report Pass: 5/13/11

Caption

Urging Congress to enact legislation to provide sufficient manpower, infrastructure, and technology to ensure the security and efficiency of land ports of entry on the southwestern border.

Impact

The resolution indicates that wait times at the busiest land ports could escalate if not addressed, potentially causing substantial economic disruptions. For instance, data cited in the bill suggests that an increase in average wait times could lead to an output loss of billions and thousands of jobs each year. The bill emphasizes that the lack of investment in the ports has led to inefficiencies that could undermine national security and the economic benefits derived from increased trade traffic, particularly for Texas, which has a significant trade relationship with Mexico.

Summary

HCR146 urges Congress to enact specific legislation aimed at enhancing the manpower, infrastructure, and technology associated with land ports of entry along the southwestern border of the United States. The resolution highlights the urgent need for improvements, noting that the existing infrastructure is over 40 years old and significantly underfunded. This lack of support has detrimental effects not only on border security managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection but also on the overall economic performance linked to the high volume of trade passing through these ports.

Contention

Although HCR146 is a resolution to encourage federal action, it reflects ongoing discussions about how best to secure borders and facilitate trade. These issues are complex and often contentious, as they intertwine national security, immigration policy, and economic development. Legislative debates may arise over the prioritization of funding and the balance between security measures versus the facilitation of legitimate commerce. As the bill proceeds, it will be pivotal for legislators to consider the varied perspectives on how to best enhance the functionality and security of these critical economic gateways.