U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Austin) has joined a group of lawmakers calling on Ken Salazar, the recently appointed U.S. Ambassador of Mexico, to investigate Mexico’s possible violation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
McCaul, and Rep. August Pfluger (R-San Angelo) co-signed a bipartisan letter to Salazar urging him to meet with senior Mexico officials and ensure fair trade for Texas agriculture and energy producers.
The letter released by Sen. Ted Cruz reads in part, "Mexico has taken several actions that discriminate against American energy producers and favor SOEs. This includes the recent modifications to the Hydrocarbons Law, which allows Mexican officials the power to suspend and revoke key permits for private operations. Most recently, the government’s proposed constitutional reforms would increase state control of the electricity industry and severely limit private investment. These steps, among others, harm our critical trading partnership with Mexico and potentially violate key tenets of the USMCA.
Additionally, Texas farmers and ranchers have long benefited from free trade with Mexico and Canada. The USMCA locked in key provisions for agriculture and includes state-of-the-art rules on agricultural biotechnology. Rigorous enforcement of these important priorities is vital for Texas producers. Mexico remains the top destination for U.S. agricultural trade – ensuring that Mexico abides by these commitments remains a top concern for the producers we represent."
McCaul tweeted his support of the letter.
"Proud to join @RepPfluger in standing up for Texas farmers, ranchers and our energy industry," he said.
So did Pfluger.
"Mexico is violating the USMCA and taking advantage of Texas in the process," Pfluger tweeted. "Proud to lead a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the recently-appointed @USAmbMex urging him to hold Mexico's feet-to-the-fire in ensuring fair trade for our agriculture and energy producers in Texas."