Guest Blogger: Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) on Free Trade

Rep. Henry Cuellar / March 03, 2010

For two decades, the word “trade” has been a dividing force in Congress.

Its supporters, like me, see trade as a boon to our economy. As the free leader of the world, the U.S. is also one of the largest trading nations, supporting millions of American workers and millions of American jobs.

Increased trade is good for America. In the past decade, U.S. exports have nearly doubled to $2 trillion a year. More exports from the U.S. can increase production of American-made products, spurring and stabilizing local jobs while supporting small business and increasing consumer choice.

In my home state of Texas, over 20,000 small and medium-size businesses rely on exporting goods and 1 in 5 manufacturing jobs relies on trade.

Along the southern border, Laredo, Texas, the nation’s largest inland trade post and 6th largest trade port, has experienced a stabilizing effect in local unemployment, in large part due to trade. While national unemployment hovers at or near 10%, Laredo’s unemployment has remained steady at 8.6% despite a 30% poverty rate.
Everyday, $1 billion is generated in trade between the United States and Mexico, with 10,000 trucks crossing Laredo’s border every 24 hours. American goods are exported to Mexico as important Mexican goods move into the United States. (more…)