By: Creighton S.C.R. No. 37
(In the Senate - Filed March 13, 2025; March 17, 2025, read
first time and referred to Committee on Economic Development;
April 7, 2025, reported adversely, with favorable Committee
Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 5, Nays 0; April 7, 2025,
sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.C.R. No. 37 By: Sparks
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Panama Canal is a vital maritime passage that
facilitates trade and ensures the efficient movement of goods
between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans; and
WHEREAS, The expansion of the Panama Canal has significantly
increased the volume of cargo passing through the waterway,
benefiting the shipping industry and the economies of the United
States and Texas; and
WHEREAS, The ports of Texas serve as critical hubs and are
directly impacted by the efficiency and security of the Panama
Canal; and
WHEREAS, Texas ports handle a substantial portion of U.S.
exports, including energy products such as liquefied natural gas
(LNG), crude oil, and refined petroleum, as well as agricultural
goods and manufactured products; and
WHEREAS, The economic prosperity of the State of Texas and
the broader United States depends on the continued free flow of
goods through the Panama Canal to support supply chains, trade
agreements, and domestic industries; and
WHEREAS, Ensuring the security and stability of the Panama
Canal is essential for maintaining U.S. national security
interests, preventing disruptions of trade, and countering foreign
influence in the region; and
WHEREAS, Investments in Texas ports, infrastructure, and
trade partnerships reinforce the strategic position of the United
States as a global economic leader; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby recognize the strategic importance of the Panama Canal to
the economic strength of the United States and the State of Texas;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature support continued
investment in Texas ports and infrastructure to maximize the
benefits of global trade and ensure long-term economic
competitiveness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature urge the Trump
Administration to prioritize diplomatic engagement with Panama to
maintain the security, efficiency, and accessibility of the canal
for U.S. commerce; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature encourage policies that
enhance the ability of Texas industries to compete in global
markets through reliable and cost-effective shipping channels;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature call for collaboration
between federal, state, and private sector stakeholders to
strengthen supply chain resilience and safeguard U.S. economic
interests; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward official
copies of this resolution to the president of the United States, to
the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of
Representatives of the United States Congress, and to all the
members of the Texas delegation to Congress with the request that
this resolution be entered in the Congressional Record as a
memorial to the Congress of the United States of America.
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