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In video messages, Valley Congressmen focus on importance of trade with Mexico

July 16, 2017

MCALLEN, RGV – Two of the three congressmen that represent the Rio Grande Valley have spoken out against rhetoric that harms cross-border commerce.

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo and U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen recorded video messages for a "legislative report card luncheon" hosted by the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and held at the Double Tree Suites in McAllen.

While the two lawmakers covered a range of issues, much of their focus was on U.S. trade with Mexico.

"As a lifelong border resident, I know that it is a special, dynamic place to live and work. We know its incredible potential. Sadly, the popular narrative in the media and among some of our national and state leaders does not always reflect this reality. But, I see a lot of good, real progress," Cuellar said.

The two videos were recorded separately but the messages were almost identical: that trade with Mexico has been beneficial for the Valley, Texas and the United States.

"It is essential that we welcome our neighbors from the south of the border and assure them that it is safe to visit, work and invest here. We have recently heard rhetoric on both sides of the border that has been harmful for our cross-border commerce and affected our way of life in the Rio Grande Valley," Gonzalez said.

"Mexico is one of our most important allies and trading partners that we can count on. They are also our neighbors. The United States has done business with Mexico for centuries and we must continue to do so. We have a relationship with Mexico that transcends the policies of any presidential administration. Because of these relationships we should continue to strive to maintain a good rapport."

Both members of Congress spoke about the North American Free Trade Agreement, which the Trump Administration wants to renegotiate. And both noted the agreement's importance in dollar amounts.

"I think businessmen in our area know that NAFTA is important. It is important to our local, state and national economy. Every day there is over $1.3 billion of trade between the U.S. and Mexico. That is over one million dollars of trade every single minute, every single day, every single year. So, NAFTA is important," Cuellar said.

"We need to see Mexico as our friend and not as an enemy. If we do this we are going to see NAFTA as a program that needs a 21st Century update. That is what Senator Cornyn and I are going to do."

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn also recorded a video message for the RGV Hispanic Chamber. However, his comments on border trade were brief.