U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has introduced a new bill called the Keeping International Land Ports of Entry Open Act. The legislation aims to prevent President Joe Biden from closing commercial ports of entry and diverting Customs and Border Protection (CBP) staff from facilitating lawful commerce to processing illegal aliens.
According to Senator Cruz, the Biden administration's policy of transferring CBP agents from facilitating commercial border crossings to processing illegal aliens has caused significant economic damage. In a statement, Cruz said, "Joe Biden is harming American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, truckers, and consumers by prioritizing welcoming illegal aliens over facilitating lawful commerce."
The bill introduced by Senator Cruz would ensure that lawful commerce can continue to invest in the Texas economy by prohibiting the Biden administration from closing ports of entry on the Southern border, except in limited circumstances such as physically assisting Border Patrol in detentions.
Several other Republican senators have expressed support for the bill. Senator Rick Scott of Florida stated, "Democrats do not care about border security... We must do everything possible to force Joe Biden to secure the border and limit his ability to make stupid decisions that hurt U.S. trade."
Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska also expressed concern about the impact of the Biden administration's policies on American businesses and producers. He said, "We cannot allow American consumers, businesses, and producers to continue paying the price for President Biden's refusal to secure our border."
Senator Mike Lee of Utah criticized the Biden administration's handling of the border situation, stating that their deliberate refusal to enforce the border is a blatant disregard for Americans' safety. He praised Senator Cruz's bill as a necessary countermeasure to hold the administration accountable for their policies.
The bill has also received support from various industry organizations. John D. Esparza, President of the Texas Trucking Association, emphasized the importance of international trade for the Texas economy and expressed support for Senator Cruz's efforts to protect critical trade routes.
Ed Gilroy, Chief Advocacy and Public Affairs Officer of the American Trucking Association, highlighted the importance of efficient processing of freight at land ports of entry and expressed support for the bill's aim to ensure that cross-border trade remains a priority.
Ian Jefferies, CEO of the Association of American Railroads, emphasized the need to protect the supply chain and keep goods flowing between the U.S. and Mexico. He praised Senator Cruz's bill for helping to ensure safe and secure freight movements across the integrated North American rail network.
The National Feed and Grain Association and the North American Export Grain Association also expressed support for the bill, recognizing the importance of the free flow of trade across the U.S.-Mexico border for food security.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has also voiced support for the bill.
The Biden administration closed four border ports of entry in December, including two key railroad bridges, under the guise of assisting Border Patrol. However, it was revealed that the agents were used to process individuals encountered, effectively shutting down lawful commerce to welcome illegal aliens.
These closures had a significant economic impact, causing approximately $250 million in commerce per day to be lost. The agricultural sector, in particular, suffered due to Mexico being a major market for grain exports.
Senator Cruz's Keeping International Land Ports of Entry Open Act aims to prevent the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from diverting staff away from ports of entry, unless there are specific exceptions. The bill would prohibit staff diversions for administrative work related to processing illegal aliens and only allow staff diversions if it is necessary to physically secure the border or engage in physical detentions.
The bill includes an accountability mechanism that requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to notify Congress and the American people of the exceptions if staff relocations and port closures are sought.
Senator Cruz's bill seeks to address the economic damage caused by the Biden administration's policies while ensuring that lawful commerce can continue to thrive in Texas and across the country.