Senator Hutchison & Congressman Rodriguez collaborate

Senator Kaye Bailey Hutchison

Congressman Ciro Rodriguez (photos)

Sen. Hutchison, Rep. Rodriguez Propose Benchmark Border Wait Time Study, File Legislation in House, Senate to Develop Practical Solution to Serious Border Problem

WASHINGTON – With wait times skyrocketing at border crossings across the U.S.-Mexico border, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez (D-TX) today introduced legislation to study the scope and impact of wait times at both southern and northern points of entry along the U.S. border.

“I believe that we must protect our nation from all security threats along our borders, yet serious traffic delays affecting the legitimate flow of commerce help no one and disrupt our state’s and nation’s economy, said Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. “Our bill will help us determine a practical solution to this serious problem at our land ports of entry.”

“While it is clear that crossing points across the US-Texas border are failing to provide a reliable timetable for transportation of goods and services, reliable statistics and concrete information are not currently available for stakeholders to make informed choices on how to solve the border wait time problem,” said Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez. “No two ports of entry are the same, and likewise the solutions to wait times issues will differ from port to port," Rodriguez added.

“The Border Trade Alliance (BTA) appreciates the strong leadership of Senator Hutchison and Congressman Rodriguez on border issues,” said J. Art Macias, Chairman of the Border Trade Alliance. “This legislation provides the ability to quantify wait times at our land ports of entry, which will allow policy-makers to best identify solutions to address the growing concern over wait times and ensure for both our economic and physical security.”