Bipartisan Southwest Caucus Co-Chairs Vasquez and Ciscomani Introduce Legislation to Boost Economic Development in Border Communities

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06), Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Southwest Caucus, announced the reintroduction of the Economic Opportunity for Border Communities Act-a bipartisan bill that would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a national strategy for strengthening economies along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The legislation recognizes the critical role border communities play in facilitating international trade, agriculture, and tourism, and aims to ensure they receive the federal investment they need to thrive.

"Our border communities are economic engines for our entire nation, but too often, they're treated as an afterthought by Washington," said Vasquez. "This bill ensures we take a serious, strategic approach to growing good-paying jobs, expanding infrastructure, and investing in the long-term success of our border towns. I'm proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Congressman Ciscomani to bring long-overdue opportunity to the communities that drive so much of our country's trade and prosperity."

"Our border communities are vital to the economic success of our country," said Ciscomani. "In order to continue driving our economy forward, we must ensure that border communities have the tools, resources, and support they need to continue growing. This legislation is a commonsense effort aimed at increasing jobs in key sectors including trade, manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture. I am proud to join Rep. Gabe Vasquez on this bipartisan solution to deliver real results for border communities in Arizona and across the southwest."

The Economic Opportunity for Border Communities Actrequires the Department of Commerce to work with federal partners-including USDA, HUD, and DOT-to build a national strategy focused on:

• Growing jobs in logistics, international trade, manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture
• Improving vocational and workforce training
• Lowering the cost of exports and imports
• Coordinating infrastructure investments and economic development programs across federal agencies

Under the bill, the Department of Commerce must deliver its strategy to Congress within one year of enactment. The strategy will include assessments of tax and investment incentives, regulatory recommendations, and a roadmap for better coordination between federal agencies and local stakeholders.

"Thank you, Congressman Vasquez and Congressman Ciscomani, for your leadership on behalf of border communities such as Santa Teresa. This bipartisan bill will bring much needed investments to the communities responsible for cross-border trade and will support countless good-paying jobs in Southern New Mexico." - Jerry Pacheco, President of the Border Industrial Association.

The Bipartisan Southwest Caucus continues to advocate for pragmatic, community-focused policies that address the unique needs of the border region while promoting safety, prosperity, and opportunity for all.

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