Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, let me start by thanking the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cuellar), the recently-appointed chairman of the U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Group, for authoring this legislation, which sends a positive message from this Chamber to the Mexican people at a time when, frankly, it is needed more than ever in view of all the things that have been talked about with American belligerence toward Mexico and the unnecessary saber rattling. {time} 1945 I think it is important that we talk about positive things between our two countries, and tourism certainly is right there. It is one way to make a positive difference. In recent years, bilateral tourism between the United States and Mexico has steadily declined. This is in sharp contrast to a rise in the broader international tourism industry in the United States. In 2017 alone, there was a 6 percent decline in visitors to the United States from Mexico, and this decrease hurts our economy and American workers, specifically in the States along our southern border with Mexico where President Trump is still trying to build an ill- advised wall. The legislation we are now considering would direct the State Department to expand tourism cooperation with Mexico, including by close collaboration with nonprofit organizations and the private sector. It also encourages expanded third-party tourism to the United States and Mexico through joint international promotional efforts.…”