Conference coincides with Mexico's decision to impose new tariffs on American products and congressional hearings on the recent rise in drug-related border violence
WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will lead a discussion on the economic outlook of U.S.-Mexico relations at a border conference taking place in Washington on Thursday.
The 13th Annual U.S.-Mexico Border Issues Conference coincides with the decision by the Mexican government to increase tariffs by up to 45 percent on 90 American products, ranging from fruits and vegetables to sunglasses and toothpaste.
"This discussion could not take place at a more appropriate time," said Giffords. "Mexico is a friend, neighbor and very important trading partner. We won't always agree but we always need to have an open dialogue."
Mexico is the second largest export market for U.S. agricultural products. The tariffs will impact an estimated $2.4 billion in trade.
The tariffs are in response to the Obama Administration's decision to end a two-year old pilot program that allowed Mexican trucks to deliver goods into the United States.
"Trucking is very important to America's trade relationships with our neighbors," Giffords said. "But I do not believe we should take any risks when it comes to public safety."
The purpose of Thursday's conference, which begins at 9 a.m. at the Rayburn House Office Building, is to bring together policy-makers to discuss a range of issues affecting the U.S. and Mexico. Attendees include Mexican Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan, mayors of American border cities, members of Congress, and Geraldo Rivera of FOX News.
The recent spike in drug-related border violence has prompted numerous congressional hearings that have included officials from Arizona. Attorney General Terry Goddard testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about the public safety threat posed by Mexican cartels. Today, Giffords participated in a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the same issue.
Giffords, a member of the committee's Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, announced that she will be introducing a resolution reiterating Mexico's importance as a strategic partner and supporting its actions to address the violence that led to approximately 6,000- drug-related murders in Mexico last year.
"The United States and Mexico must work collaboratively to make clear that our governments are resolved to tackle the bloodshed," Giffords said. "We must stand together to strengthen the rule of law and combat crimes."
Click here to watch a video of the congresswoman's opening statement at today's hearing.