BTA board members from across U.S. visit with lawmakers, argue against increased tariffs

WASHINGTON (June 12, 2018) – Representatives of the Border Trade Alliance Board of Directors were on Capitol Hill Tuesday, urging lawmakers from both parties to support modernized trade agreements, despite an impasse in the three-nation negotiations over the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The BTA, which represents both public and private entities on issues relating to cross-border trade, also urged members of Congress to assert themselves in the trade debate.

“We thank all of the senators and representatives who took the time today to visit with the BTA and hear our positive, pro-growth message of trade and cross-border cooperation,” BTA Chair Paola Avila said. “We are hopeful that Congress will, in a bipartisan fashion, act as a respectful but necessary check on the executive branch and stand opposed to the administration’s installation of tariffs on steel and aluminum, resist further tariffs on autos, and urge the administration to dial back its rhetoric toward our friends and closest trade partners. Our economy risks tremendous damage if we pursue higher tariffs.”

In addition to its meetings today, the BTA tomorrow is co-hosting with the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute the fifth-annual edition of their Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border conference, which features guest speakers and panel discussions on the most pressing issues facing the border region, including trade policies and processes, infrastructure, and the binational relationship between the U.S. and Mexico.

“The BTA appreciates the opportunity to visit with our representatives and senators who are responsible for shaping the policies that impact our members’ businesses, communities, and quality of life,” BTA President Britton Clarke said. “We also look forward once again to partnering with the Wilson Center Mexico Institute for our daylong joint conference, which will examine a number of issues affecting the business, trade, and investment climate along the U.S.-Mexico border.”

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About the BTA:

Since 1986, the BTA has served as a grassroots, non-profit organization that provides a forum for discussion and advocacy on issues pertaining to the environment, border development, quality of life and trade in the Americas. A network of public and private sector representatives from the United States, Mexico and Canada, BTA’s core values include a commitment to improving the quality of life of border communities through trade and commerce.