Dear Doctor of Laws Greaser:
Thank you for contacting me regarding U.S. trade policies. I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this critical matter.
Robust trade partnerships ensure American businesses and workers remain competitive in the global economy. Texas exports billions of dollars in goods and services to Canada and Mexico, helping to make our state's economy the 10th largest in the world. Texas alone is Mexico's top trading partner, and in 2023, trade exceeded $270 billion. For these reasons, I was proud to support the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act (P.L. 116-113) during President Trump's first administration. USMCA modernized and replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), bringing enormous benefits to Texas consumers. USMCA is scheduled for a 2026 joint review, and I look forward to reviewing and updating this critical trade agreement.
I support pro-growth trade policies that reduce barriers to international trade and investment. International trade bolsters American competitiveness, enhances relationships between the United States and foreign governments, and improves global economic conditions. I agree with President Trump that negotiating reciprocal tariff reductions in foreign countries can level the global playing field and expand the export market of Texas-made products and services, thereby fostering job growth. The U.S. must also address foreign adversaries and anti-competitive behavior, which threaten our economy and national security in the long term. We cannot allow countries to enjoy unfettered access to our market if they do not provide reciprocal trade access to U.S. companies, farmers, and ranchers, a fundamental principle of free and fair trade between nations. I believe a strategic approach to implementing tariffs will ensure certainty in the stock market and generate substantial economic growth that will benefit all Americans.
I have sponsored numerous pieces of legislation to protect American supply chains, enhance trade with our allies, and combat the unfair practices of nations that exploit or circumvent our trade laws. During the 118th Congress, I introduced the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Pilot Program Act of 2023, signed into law on October 1, 2024 (P.L. 118-98). This bill establishes a pilot program to allow up to 20 trusted non-asset and asset-based, third-party logistic providers (3PLs) to become CTPAT certified. The CTPAT Pilot Program Act also allows trusted trading partners to expedite cargo transport, vital to Texas' economy, while protecting against illegal goods, national security threats, and unfair trade practices. On March 13, 2025, I introduced the Foreign Investment Guardrails to Help Thwart (FIGHT) China Act (S.1053), which will restrict American investment that modernizes and strengthens China's military and technological developments. While it is crucial to ensure free and fair trade, we cannot allow American dollars to fuel the advancement of the Chinese military, who could one day use these innovations against the United States. As the Chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness, I will continue to work with my colleagues to strengthen trade relationships to bolster the United States economy.
I appreciate having the opportunity to represent Texas in the United States Senate. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.
Sincerely,
JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator