Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

Floor Speech

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation, along with Senator Tom Udall, aimed at increasing economic activity in New Mexico communities situated along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Currently, Mexican nationals holding biometric Border Crossing Cards, also known as Laser Visas, may travel up to 25 miles into the United States for a period of up to 30 days. The purpose of this initiative is to promote border commerce by allowing frequent, low-risk visitors to travel to U.S. border communities to conduct business, visit family, and shop.

Unfortunately, New Mexico has not benefited under this program to the extent that other border states have. The three largest cities along the New Mexico border--Las Cruces, Lordsburg, and Deming--are all outside of the current 25-mile geographical limit, and Mexican nationals with BCCs must acquire additional permits to visit these cities.

In order to address a similar situation, an exception was made for Arizona in 1999 to allow BCC holders to travel to Tucson. This change resulted in increased economic activity without in any way jeopardizing security. Tailoring the program to maximize its impact in the respective border states is the right approach, and I fail to see why a similar modification should not be made for New Mexico.

The legislation we are introducing today, the Southern New Mexico Economic Development Act, would expand the geographic limit from 25 miles to 75 miles to permit visitors coming to New Mexico to reach the larger cities in the southern part of the state. This change would facilitate economic activity at a crucial time as border communities are looking to increase tourism and create growth.

Changing this regulation wouldn't cost taxpayer money, it will increase economic activity in communities that have been hit hard by the economic downturn, and will do so in a manner consistent with our border security efforts.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

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