Congressman Henry Cuellar Hosts Secretary of Commerce Carlos Guiterrez in Laredo, TX

CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR HOSTS SECRETARY OF COMMERCE CARLOS GUTIERREZ IN LAREDO

Washington, DC- Congressman Henry Cuellar today hosted Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez in a ceremony at the TAMIU Western Hemispheric Trade Center in Laredo. This is the first time in recorded history that a United States Secretary of Commerce visits the ever-burgeoning Gateway City.

In his remarks, Secretary Gutierrez emphasized the importance of free and fair trade within the context of what NAFTA has produced, what CAFTA aims to achieve, and what progress within the Doha Round -global trade talks across a wide range of issues- has the potential to accomplish for international commerce, "CAFTA builds on the principle of economic strength through openness and competition and has lead to 31 consecutive months of job growth, created more than 5.1 million new jobs, productivity is very high, inflation is contained, manufacturing activity is growing, and the small business sector is thriving in the United States," he said.

Secretary Gutierrez also remarked on the importance of regional cooperation for our economic competitiveness, and his recent trade mission to several of the CAFTA countries. He extended his gratitude to Congressman Cuellar for the important role that he played in this national economic boost through his unwavering support of the CAFTA initiatives, "I want to thank Congressman Cuellar for his vision, leadership, and support of the CAFTA agreement."

Congressman Cuellar noted, "It was an honor and a pleasure to welcome Secretary Gutierrez to Laredo today. Our economy is increasingly evolving, and it is essential to keep our federal government engaged in helping us continue to improve."

"I share Secretary Gutierrez's commitment to creating an economic environment in which small businesses and entrepreneurs can flourish, and Secretary Gutierrez has offered an important perspective aiming to continue to enhance America's competitive edge around the world," Congressman Cuellar added.

Congressman Cuellar joined members of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce, Laredo Development Foundation, Laredo Manufacturers Association, and members from various Chambers of Commerce in the 28th Congressional District in welcoming Secretary Gutierrez.

At the ceremony, Congressman Cuellar was presented with the US Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award for his support of the Chamber's position on key issues. Congressman Cuellar has advanced pro-economic legislation throughout his first tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives and demonstrates an enduring commitment to laws that facilitate the creation of jobs and a booming economy.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Budget and Agriculture committees in the 109th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care and economic development are his priorities.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx28_cuellar/060420b.html