Rick Perry - Trade Policy
Summary
Governor Perry supports open borders and free trade programs such as NAFTA. After assuming office, Governor Perry proposed the development of the NAFTA superhighway through the state of Texas. Although the project was widely opposed due to cost reasons, sovereignty reasons, and the use of a Spanish construction company for the work, Governor Perry stated that the superhighway would fuel trade between the US and Central and South America.
In 2001, Governer Perry spoke at a border summit in Mexico where he noted that the US was just beginning to see the fruits of NAFTA. He expressed his support for open borders, and a shared financial responsibility throughout the border reqion. He even went so far as proposing cross-border health insurance plans.
In 2004, Governor Perry noted in speeches that free trade was one of three facets that were needed for a successful future. The other two were education and job creation. He also stated that the free flow of goods was essential to the future of Texas.
NAFTA Super Highway
Free trade in Texas has been dominated by the NAFTA Superhighway, also known as the Trans Texas Corridor. The project is an 8 lane highway along with rail lines and utility lines running from Mexico through Texas and on into Canada. The purpose of the project is to expedite traffic and trade on the North American continent by easing the flow of goods through the nations. Governor Perry has been the strongest supporter of the project, selling bonds and pushing the construction over the request of the people of Texas.
Border Summit Remarks
In August of 2001, Governor Perry spoke at a Texas / Mexico border summit. He stated there that the fruits of NAFTA were only beginning to ripen and that he supported the Mexico President's views that the border between Texas and Mexico should be open to people and products.
Gov. Rick Perry's Remarks to the Border Summit
* Note: Gov. Perry frequently departs from prepared remarks.
Wednesday, August 22, 2001 • SpeechThank you Senator Lucio. President Nevarez, UT-Pan American is to be commended for its vision and leadership in hosting this unprecedented border summit in the beautiful Texas town of Edinburg. My friends from Mexico, including Governor Tomas Yarrington Ruvalcaba of Tamaulipas, and Governor Fernando Canales Clariond of Nuevo Leon, it is an honor to be in your presence. I want to extend my gratitude to our Mexican neighbors for hosting me this July as I sought to learn one of the world’s great languages, Spanish. I enjoyed your hospitality, and was grateful for your patience as I worked on my vocabulary. No longer do I refer to “la verdad” as “la verdura.” I am delighted to see friends from the U.S. side of the border as well, including our distinguished members of the Legislature, and our county and city leaders along the border.
Today we begin a new dialogue about our shared future, a future of promising potential if we work together to solve the challenges we both face. It is fitting that we convene this summit where the great, meandering river known as the Rio Grande – or the Rio Bravo – forms the long border between Texas and Mexico. In years past, that famed body of water has been seen by many as a dividing point, If you were to walk along its banks and look to the other side, based on the stereotypes of the past, you would think you were seeing things a million miles away, instead of a stone’s throw away. But I am here today to say that while we have honest differences, there is more that unites us than divides us. The Rio Grande does not separate two nations, it joins two peoples. Mexico and the United States have a shared history, and a common future. And it is along this border where we will either fail or succeed in addressing the education, health care and transportation needs of our two peoples.
Critical to our future is meeting our border infrastructure needs. We must get traffic moving along the border so that businesses along the border and thousands of miles away can deliver products on time, and continue to grow. Companies from Spokane, Washington to Concord, New Hampshire depend on Texas highways and Texas bridges to move their products south. Seventy percent of all U.S.-Mexico truck traffic goes to, or through, the Lone Star state. Fifteen of our twenty-seven border crossings with Mexico are located in Texas. Fifty-four percent of all U.S.-Mexico trade crosses just between Brownsville and Laredo. This year the Texas legislature appropriated approximately $1 billion more in transportation funding. But more can be done.
With Texas serving as the Gateway to Mexico, it is time that we receive congressional funding that reflects the instrumental role our state plays as a port of entry. With a Texan in the White House, I believe there is no greater opportunity to end the funding discrimination that crippled Texas infrastructure under the previous administration. Good infrastructure is essential to the free flow of commerce. It is a matter of economic fact that free trade lifts the tide for all the boats in the harbor. U.S. trade with Mexico has increased by 500% since 1994. Exports and imports between Texas and Mexico now exceed $100 billion dollars annually. Thousands of jobs have been created for Texas and Mexican workers, confirming the indisputable fact that trade with Mexico is big business for Texas.
The fruits of NAFTA have just begun to ripen. At the same time, we must not allow the roots of the tree to become poisoned. The NAFTA agreement not only signaled a new era of economic possibility, but a new era of bi-national cooperation. That is why it is wrong, and inherently detrimental to our relationship with Mexico for the U.S. Congress to pursue a protectionist policy that forbids Mexican trucks from U.S. roadways. It is bad public policy, and it violates the terms of the NAFTA agreement we agreed to. Mexican trucks that meet our safety standards should be given the same access to U.S. roads as our Canadian neighbors to the north.
Mexico, too, must be vigilant in realizing its treaty obligations. For more than half a century, under the 1944 Water Treaty our two nations have cooperated so that the water needs of both countries are met. But as of late, Mexico is behind in delivering the water it has promised to the U.S. A Mexican judicial injunction now threatens the livelihood of our Rio Grande Valley farmers, and has become a source of contention between our two nations. It is time to end this dispute. I would ask that the Mexican government meet its obligation under the treaty, Texas growers are depending on it.
There are other challenges that require a unified approach, especially in the area of health care. A lack of preventative medicine means conditions that could have been eliminated through childhood immunizations show up in disturbing numbers later in life. Limited availability of medical specialists means conditions like heart disease and diabetes go untreated at alarming rates. In Texas, we recently placed a strong emphasis on preventative care when we expanded access to Medicaid for more low-income children by making the Medicaid enrollment process simpler. We allocated an additional $4 billion to the Medicaid program, and more than $900 million to the Children’s Health Insurance Program. I urged legislators to pass a telemedicine pilot program that will enable, through technology, a sick border resident of limited financial means to receive care from a specialist hundreds of miles away. But the effort to combat disease and illness requires greater cooperative efforts between our two nations. It is a simple truth that disease knows no boundaries. An outbreak of drug-resistant tuberculosis, for example, endangers citizens of both our nations. We have much to gain if we work together to expand preventative care, and treat maladies unique to this region.
Legislation authored by border legislators Pat Haggerty and Eddie Lucio establishes an important study that will look at the feasibility of bi-national health insurance. This study recognizes that the Mexican and U.S. sides of the border compose one region, and we must address health care problems throughout that region. That’s why I am also excited that Texas Secretary of State Henry Cuellar is working on an initiative that could extend the benefits of telemedicine to individuals living on the Mexican side of the border.
As a compassionate state, we know that for our children to succeed, they must not only be healthy, but educated. The future leaders of our two nations are learning their fractions and their ABC’s in classrooms all along this border. Immigrants from around the world are being taught in Texas classrooms, and our history is rich with examples of new citizens who have made great contributions. We must say to every Texas child learning in a Texas classroom, “we don’t care where you come from, but where you are going, and we are going to do everything we can to help you get there.” And that vision must include the children of undocumented workers. That’s why Texas took the national lead in allowing such deserving young minds to attend a Texas college at a resident rate. Those young minds are a part of a new generation of leaders, the doors of higher education must be open to them. The message is simple: educacion es el futuro, y si se puede.
We also know that poverty is not unique to either side of the border. Some of Texas’ poorest citizens live in colonias all along the border. They often lack basic infrastructure many of us take for granted. Just today, the North American Development Bank announced it will provide $6.3 million in funding to hook up colonia residents in six border cities to water and wastewater lines. More than 18,000 residents will benefit from these water or wastewater hookups. And this November, by approving Proposition 2, Texas voters can ensure that their neighbors in colonias have quality roads so that school buses, emergency vehicles and postal trucks can reach residents, and residents can get to a job or a school reliably.
President Fox’s vision for an open border is a vision I embrace, as long as we demonstrate the will to address the obstacles to it. An open border means poverty has given way to opportunity, and Mexico’s citizens do not feel compelled to cross the border to find that opportunity. It means we have addressed pollution concerns, made substantial progress in stopping the spread of disease, and rid our crossings of illicit drug smuggling activity. Clearly we have a long way to go in addressing those issues. At the same time we must continue to deepen our economic ties, expanding opportunities for Mexican and U.S. companies to do business on both sides of the border. The outlook is promising, even if the road to prosperity is a long one. We share a bond as neighbors, and we find our culture north of the Rio Grande to be increasingly defined by the strong traits of people of Hispanic descent. Texas has long enjoyed a unique identity, an identity forged by an independent spirit, and the convergence of many different peoples. We must welcome change in the 21st Century as we have in every century before it.
Today, as we look to the south, we see a rising sun. It is perched above a people whose best days are in front of them. Let us endeavor to make the most of this new day through a new dialogue. Let us work together to combat disease, expand trade and provide educational opportunities. If we do, there are no limits to what we can accomplish for the betterment of all of our citizens. Thank you, and God bless you.
Meeting with President Fox
In June of 2004, Governor Perry met with President Vicente Fox of Mexico. They discussed the need to speed up the flow of traffic between the two countries, the water sharing between Mexico and Texas, and the selling of cattle from Texas to Mexico.
Gov. Perry, President Fox Discuss Free Trade, Energy Cooperation
Praises Fox on Willingness to Resolve Livestock and Water IssuesWednesday, June 23, 2004 • Press Release
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – On the second day of his trade mission to Mexico, Gov. Rick Perry and Mexican President Vicente Fox today discussed a variety of issues important to both sides of the border and agreed to continue working to improve trade and other matters.
Among the issues discussed at a private meeting at Los Pinos were trade, energy, water debt, livestock trade, and criminal justices matters. Yesterday, Gov. Perry signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the border governors of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas that calls for a joint effort between Texas and border states in Mexico to create new jobs and expand economic opportunities along the border.
“There is more that joins us together than a common border. Texas and Mexico are tied together by hundreds of years of history, a blended culture and a shared future,” Perry said after the meeting. “Millions of our people are descendants of the same blood and heritage, and we live and work each day in a borderless marketplace. We must never lose sight of the long-term vision: to create new opportunities, new wealth and a better future for people who live on both sides of our border.”
On the matter of livestock trade between Mexico and the Texas, President Fox assured Perry that Mexico would have the basic infrastructure in place within two weeks to resume imports of livestock that had essentially been suspended last week. Last Thursday Mexican officials implemented a new rule requiring all livestock entering Mexico to be inspected on the Mexican side of the border. Because Mexico has no livestock inspection facilities, all imports of livestock by Mexico from the United States have been halted. As a result of efforts by Texas and United States officials, Mexico has agreed to open its borders and resume inspecting Texas and U.S. horses, poultry, and swine at inspection points on the Mexico side of the border within two weeks.
“Mexico’s decision to begin allowing U.S. livestock to cross its border is great news for the Texas and Mexican economies,” Perry said. “President Fox understands the concerns regarding livestock health on both sides of the border and should be commended for working cooperatively to resolve this issue for the good of both of our peoples.”
Perry also discussed Mexico's current water debt to Texas and thanked Fox for his efforts to make water payments required under the treaty. Both leaders agreed that in times where rainfall is plentiful - as has been the case in recent months - disagreements between Texas and Mexico have been minimized. Perry, however, encouraged Fox to work toward developing a mutual agreement on conservation efforts and a water debt repayment schedule. Such efforts, Perry said, will minimize disagreements when drought conditions return. When Fox visited Texas in November, the Mexican water debt stood at 1.3 million acre feet owed to Texas. Due to negotiations with Texas and U.S. officials the Mexican water debt now stands at 798,161 acre feet.
“Mexico should be commended for making progress on the water debt owed to our South Texas farmers,” Perry said after the meeting. “While this water debt has been readily paid in time of abundant rainfall, Mexico must be equally committed to fulfilling its obligations during times of drought. I will continue to insist to the Mexican government that the water treaty between our two countries be adhered to regardless of weather or season.”
Perry and Fox also discussed the need to improve the flow of traffic across the border to minimize long waits that hamper free trade.
On criminal justice issues, Perry assured Fox that Texas expects its law enforcement agencies to abide by consular notification requirements and that the state attorney general has provided law enforcement officials with information about the notification requirement and process. The two also briefly discussed the recent murders of several women in Juarez. Perry said he recognized the commitment of Mexican officials to address the problem at the same time noting that the murders have generated concern in the United States.
Following his meeting with Fox, Perry met with U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza, Texas Railroad Commissioner Victor Carillo and Mexico Energy Secretary Fernando Elizondo Barrigan.
“As neighbors who share a 1,200-mile border, I can envision no future scenario where we can succeed if we pursue separate paths to the future,” Perry said. “We have a common future that requires a cooperative relationship. We must always remember that what binds us together is profoundly stronger than what could ever set us apart.”
In July of 2004, Governor Perry released a follow-up statement noting his views that free trade was good for the economy.
Gov. Rick Perry: Free Trade, Job Creation and Education Are Key to Texas' Future
Perry Also Calls for Series of Border Discussions to Review US-VISIT Program at LULAC SpeechWednesday, July 07, 2004 • Press Release
AUSTIN – In a speech to the League of United Latin American Citizens National Convention, Gov. Rick Perry today said that free trade, job creation and education are key ingredients to the future economic success of Texas. Perry also called for a series of border discussions to allow for public input on the federal government’s US-VISIT program.
“Job creation and education are, and always will be, the cornerstones of my administration because economic prosperity and the ability to provide for one’s family are an important part of the American dream,” Perry said. “Today, the American dream is alive and well because of the ideas and contributions of so many entrepreneurs and working families, including many Hispanic-owned businesses, right here in Texas.”
Perry said that during a trade mission last month to Mexico he reached an agreement with Mexican business and political leaders to tear down barriers to economic progress and job creation. This commitment includes Perry’s insistence on removing any potential roadblocks to legitimate trade and travel that may be created by the new federal US-VISIT program.
“Today I am announcing that my office will be working with federal and local officials in the coming months to host border community discussions to ensure that Texas’ concerns are heard and addressed as the federal government begins implementation of the US-VISIT program along our border with Mexico,” Perry said. “We must ensure our border is secure while maintaining the free flow of commerce between our nations.”
The governor also said that the most important investment that Texas can make in its future is in education.
“An educated American is an unlimited American,” he said. “As we look to the future, education reform must not be based on the number of students that meet minimum standards, but the number of students who excel.”
Citing the financial commitment he and the Texas Legislature have made in education – $7.1 billion over the past six years, including $1.2 billion last year – Perry said the state’s investment is paying off.
Perry said he wants to reward schools that encourage students who take the hardest course of study, who achieve commended performance on state tests who take gateway courses like Algebra and who stay in school and graduate.
“When a child drops out, a wall is erected that stands between their dreams and the opportunity to fulfill those dreams,” he said.
Perry also highlighted his recommendations that the state increase spending on bilingual education by $100 million to help those students who face additional challenges of learning English.
“I believe that we must tell our children, ‘It doesn’t matter what your first language is, your success and your future are our first priority,’” Perry said.