Rep. Tony Gonzales, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Border Infrastructure, Security, and Trade at Land Ports of Entry

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), alongside U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Congresswoman Julie Johnson (D-Texas), introduced bipartisan legislation to modernize infrastructure at U.S. land ports of entry (LPOEs) and in the surrounding communities that support them.

The Strong Borders, Strong Communities Act would create the first dedicated funding stream for the construction and modernization of land port of entry-related infrastructure to enhance border security, improve the efficiency of lawful trade and travel, and support rural border communities. Funds allocated from this bill can be used for a variety of projects, including roads, bridges, wastewater treatment, and other related community infrastructure enhancements that are of particular value to border communities.

"Land ports of entry along the border are critical to our national economy. However, to truly capture the value of cross-border trade, we must ensure our international bridges are modernized and properly maintained. This new legislation, the Strong Ports, Strong Communities Act, repurposes federal funding to make targeted and meaningful investments for unique local infrastructure needs along the border. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to move this bill forward and keep border communities thriving," said Congressman Tony Gonzales.

The legislation is endorsed by the Border Trade Alliance and Fresh Produce Association.

"Texas is proudly home to more land ports of entry than any other state and plays a critical role in our nation's international trade and border security," said Senator John Cornyn. "I am proud to join Senator Gallego and Congressman Gonzales in introducing this legislation, which will strengthen infrastructure at our ports of entry to ensure lawful trade, improve border security, and support surrounding communities."

"Land ports of entry handle nearly 20 percent of our country's international trade and play a critical role in preventing dangerous drugs, contraband, and human trafficking from entering our communities. But too many of ports and surrounding towns are being stretched to the breaking point," said Senator Ruben Gallego. "At ports like Nogales, tens of thousands of trucks cross into Arizona every month, putting a significant burden on local roads and bridges. When I met with officials in Douglas and Nogales, they made it clear that their communities can't shoulder these costs alone. This bill delivers the dedicated support these ports and communities need to keep trade moving, strengthen security, and protect the people who live and work there."

"Ports of entry are critical to our economy and our national security - but for too long, the communities that support them have been left to shoulder the cost alone," said Congresswoman Julie Johnson. "The Strong Ports, Strong Communities Act delivers targeted, bipartisan investment to modernize our land ports of entry, reduce congestion, and strengthen the local infrastructure families and businesses rely on every day. This is exactly the kind of practical work Texans expect from both parties in Congress."

For bill text, click here.