WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) released the following statements after their Starr-Camargo Bridge Expansion Act, which would give authority to increase the number of lanes for the toll bridge or allow a rail line to be built that runs from Rio Grande City, Texas, to Mexico and facilitates hundreds of millions of dollars in cross-border trade, passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the President’s desk:

“The Starr-Camargo Bridge has been invaluable to the economy of South Texas and the nation,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Expanding this international bridge will help ease congestion and supply chain issues at this critical port of entry at no cost to taxpayers, and I urge the President to sign this legislation into law without delay.” 

“I am proud to have partnered with Senator Cornyn on the Starr-Camargo and many other cross-border bridge projects—like the World Trade Bridge in Laredo—that are essential to interstate commerce,” said Sen. Cruz. “These bridges will not only improve trade between the U.S. and Mexico, but bring more jobs to Texas and promote a mutually beneficial relationship with our neighbor to the south.”

“Strengthening our infrastructure at key international crossings like the Starr-Camargo Bridge is essential for boosting our economy and ensuring the smooth flow of goods across our borders,” said Sen. Kelly. “This expansion will not only ease congestion and enhance trade, but also support American jobs and businesses—all without burdening taxpayers. I look forward to the President signing this bipartisan legislation into law.” 

This legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and cosponsored by Congressmen Michael McCaul (TX-10), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), and Michael Lawler (NY-17). The bill passed the Senate on July 27, 2023.

Background:

The Starr-Camargo Bridge is an international bridge between Mexico and the United States and serves as an efficient route between the Rio Grande Valley and Mexican cities like Monterrey and Mexico City. This expansion would be fully paid for by existing tolls.