Congresswoman Escobar Statement on Removal of Commercial Traffic at BOTA

Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement in response to the El Paso Chamber of Commerce fighting against the removal of commercial traffic from the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA):

"An overwhelming majority of El Pasoans support removing commercial traffic from BOTA; we've known this since GSA reported that 93% of the 12,000 El Pasoans who participated in public comment said so.

"While I understand the concerns expressed by businesses who use BOTA for trade, CBP has repeatedly assured us that there is capacity and opportunity at the other land ports of entry in El Paso. Our community can maintain its commercial advantage while supporting what El Pasoans have made clear is a priority. We have to focus our energy on ensuring the other land ports are ready for this shift, and my hope is that the Chamber joins us in this effort."

In January 2025, the General Services Administration (GSA) published their Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the modernization project. In it, GSA analyzed the impact to issues including public services, traffic, air quality, socioeconomics, and more. The EIS was published after CBP and GSA worked on this project for years. Throughout this time, the public - including members of the business community were encouraged and indeed participated in the public comment period and at events hosted by GSA and/or Congresswoman Escobar.