U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn of Texas have announced the successful acquisition of a presidential permit for the Laredo 4/5 International Bridge in Webb County. This development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance trade relations between the United States and Mexico.
Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of streamlining the approval process for border bridge infrastructure projects, stating that his bipartisan legislation has resulted in swift approval for a bridge that will substantially increase trade with Mexico. He expressed pride in working alongside his colleagues to support the Bridge 4/5 project and conveyed his excitement about securing the presidential permit.
Senator Cornyn highlighted the role of international bridges as catalysts for fostering greater trade with Mexico and promoting economic growth. He expressed satisfaction with the approval of the Laredo 4/5 bridge permit, noting that it will facilitate increased commerce, strengthen the supply chain, and generate well-paying jobs for Texans in Webb County and beyond.
Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina described the moment as surreal, emphasizing that the county had been anticipating the development of an international bridge for over two decades. He underscored Mexico’s crucial role as a trading partner, not only for Texas but for the entire United States, citing the $807 billion worth of goods that crossed the southern border in 2023 alone.
Judge Tijerina characterized the 4/5 bridge as more than just a physical structure, calling it a symbol of hope, progress, and unity for Webb County and Nuevo Laredo. He praised the bipartisan nature of the project, highlighting it as an example of what can be achieved when county, state, and federal entities share a common vision.
Glenn Hamer, President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, commended the bipartisan efforts led by Senators Cruz and Cornyn to streamline the presidential permitting process for cross-border bridge infrastructure projects. He described this initiative as the most significant effort to advance trade for Texas and the U.S. since the passage of the USMCA, predicting that it will result in the creation of thousands of new jobs and billions in investment for Texas.
Dennis Nixon, President and Chairman of IBC Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the 4/5 Bridge Project advancing to the next stage of
construction. He emphasized the project’s potential to elevate Port Laredo on the global stage as one of the world’s most important ports. Nixon acknowledged the relentless pursuit of success by the project’s sponsors and the crucial support from Senators Cruz and Cornyn in understanding the infrastructure needs vital to the region’s continued success.
Gerald Schwebel, Executive Vice President of IBC Bank’s Corporate International Division, hailed the granting of the presidential permit as a historic moment. He described the 4/5 bridge as an innovative and transformative port of entry project that will set the standard for future border ports of entry, solidifying Port Laredo’s position as the premier port of entry in North America.
John D. Esparza, President and CEO of the Texas Trucking Association, praised Senator Cruz’s effectiveness in securing legislation to streamline the permitting process for Texas-Mexico border bridges. He commended both Senators Cruz and Cornyn for their ability to propose and shepherd public policy that directly benefits the state’s economy, noting that their bipartisan efforts have cleared bureaucratic roadblocks and paved the way for expanded trade and improved supply chain resilience.
The approval of the Laredo 4/5 International Bridge presidential permit represents a significant step forward in enhancing trade infrastructure between the United States and Mexico, with potential far-reaching economic benefits for Texas and the nation as a whole.