Congressman Troy Nehls | Congressman Troy E. Nehls Official Website
Congressman Troy Nehls | Congressman Troy E. Nehls Official Website
Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Chairman Troy Nehls (R-TX) has reached out to U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Acting Commissioner Troy Miller regarding the recent closure of the Eagle Pass rail gateway in Eagle Pass, Texas. In a letter, Chairman Nehls requested information about the closure and plans to prevent any future closures and subsequent disruptions to the supply chain.
The closure of the Eagle Pass rail gateway, which occurred on September 19, 2023, has had significant implications for freight traffic and the efficient operations of the nation's supply chain. Chairman Nehls attributes the closure to the ongoing chaos caused by the Biden Administration's failure to secure the southern border. He acknowledges the challenging work of CBP agents in dealing with the migrant and humanitarian crisis at the border but emphasizes that the consequences extend beyond the border towns and constitute more than just an immigration issue.
Expressing his appreciation for CBP's efforts to reopen the rail gateway quickly, Chairman Nehls stresses the importance of finding a balance between border protection and maintaining the flow of goods and commerce via freight rail. He recognizes the critical role that the Eagle Pass rail gateway plays, serving two Class I U.S.-based freight railroads and ranking as the second busiest rail passage on the Texas/Mexico border. In the period from August 2022 to July 2023, the rail gateway moved over 6.2 million tons of freight.
In his letter, Chairman Nehls requests that CBP provide a briefing on the current status of the rail gateway and its plans to keep it open, particularly in the event of future migrant surges. He also asks for advance notice to be provided to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee regarding any future plans to close the rail gateway.
The closure of the Eagle Pass rail gateway highlights the broader impact of the border crisis on the nation's supply chain. As Chairman Nehls seeks answers and solutions from CBP, it is clear that addressing this issue is crucial for maintaining the smooth flow of goods and commerce across the border.
Read the full letter [here](insert link).
For additional details, please follow this link: https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-troy-e-nehls-asks-cbp-plans-prevent-future-closures-eagle-pass
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