85S10794 KSM-D
By: Anchia H.C.R. No. 19
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Since 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement
has transformed economic relations among the United States, Mexico,
and Canada; and
WHEREAS, The accord has driven unprecedented integration
among the economies, helping to more than triple regional trade and
encouraging a dramatic rise in cross-border investment; economists
largely agree that NAFTA has enhanced prosperity in all three
countries, as regional trade increased sharply over the first two
decades, from roughly $290 billion in 1993 to more than $1.1
trillion in 2016; as many as 14 million U.S. jobs rely on this
trade; and
WHEREAS, The economic effects of NAFTA on Texas are
particularly profound, due to its proximity to Mexico, which is the
state's top export market; in 2015, exports from Texas to Mexico
totaled $92.5 billion, and as of 2014, 382,000 Texas jobs depended
on cross-border trade; moreover, the availability of lower-priced
goods from Mexico has had a favorable influence on the state's cost
of living; and
WHEREAS, The Texas economy would be negatively impacted
should the United States withdraw from NAFTA; it is vital that Texas
protect its economic interests; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas,
1st Called Session, hereby request the lieutenant governor and the
speaker of the House of Representatives to create a joint interim
committee to study the impact on Texas of any proposed
modifications to NAFTA being considered; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the committee's proceedings and operations be
governed by such general rules and policies for joint interim
committees as the 85th Legislature may adopt.