Texas Senate Bill SCR22

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Urging Congress to recognize the importance of trade between Texas and Mexico.

Impact

The resolution points out the increasing value of trade following the North American Free Trade Agreement, noting a dramatic rise in exports and imports between the United States and Mexico. It emphasizes the necessity of recognizing Mexico as Texas's largest trading partner and underscores the importance of maintaining and enhancing this relationship for economic prosperity. The resolution calls for proactive measures from the federal government to strengthen economic ties rather than erect obstacles that could hinder cross-border commerce.

Summary

SCR22 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the Texas Legislature urging the United States Congress to acknowledge and enhance the vital trade relationship between Texas and Mexico. The resolution highlights that approximately 36 percent of Texas's total exports are directed towards Mexico, with 2015 exports amounting to nearly $92.5 million. The significance of this trade is evident as it supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across various industries within the state, including computer products, petroleum, machinery, and transportation equipment.

Contention

The resolution advocates for the federal government to prioritize methods of enhancing trade operations that align with the natural landscape, opposing the construction of border walls that could disrupt existing trade channels. The discussions surrounding the resolution may encounter differing opinions on border security implications, with potential contention from sectors favoring stricter border enforcement versus those advocating for free trade and economic integration with Mexico. Overall, SCR22 aims to foster a collaborative environment that benefits both Texas and the wider United States.

Final_note

As it stands, SCR22 acts as a formal request to Congress to elevate the importance of trade policies that reflect the strengths and needs of the Texas-Mexico relationship, while simultaneously addressing issues of border security with a focus on facilitating rather than obstructing trade.