WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement after his bipartisan legislation naming the Ports-to-Plains Corridor between Laredo, Texas, and Raton, New Mexico as the future Interstate 27 was signed into law.
About the bill signing, Sen. Cruz said, “I’m so proud to have successfully worked with the community leaders and business owners along the I-27 corridor who have helped to make today a reality, and for the bipartisan work we have been able to do to deliver the benefits that Interstate 27 will bring to Texans. Improving infrastructure for I-27 means more jobs, greater economic development, and better transportation for Texans in communities across the Lone Star State. This is a huge win for every Texan.”
Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) said, “I’m honored to join my colleagues in applauding President Biden signing legislation that will help make transportation safer while creating new economic opportunities along the Ports to Plains Corridor in New Mexico. Passing this bipartisan, bicameral legislation shows the federal government is committed to the growth and development of this corridor, soon to be officially designated as Interstate 27. I look forward to seeing how this improvement will support safer travel while boosting New Mexico’s economy.”
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said, “Officially naming the Ports-to-Plains Corridor as Interstate 27 will increase trade, improve public safety, and ensure that Texas continues to dominate in agricultural and energy production. Now that this bill has been signed into law, I look forward to seeing how it will drive even greater economic activity from South Texas through West Texas and beyond.”
Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) said, “From Clayton to Raton, this legislation will help create jobs, grow the economy, better connect trade and commerce, and improve transportation safety. I was proud to join my colleagues in getting this legislation passed in the Senate. Now that it’s been signed into law, I look forward to seeing this Ports-to-Plains victory implemented.”
BACKGROUND:
- Cruz received bipartisan support for an amendmenthe introduced alongside Sen. Luján in 2022 to designate I-27, part of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor, as a future addition to the interstate highway system. It will positively impact 26 counties in Texas by upgrading parts of this critical highway system and improving roadways that Texas farmers and ranchers need to get their products to market faster.
- Cruz led a bipartisan coalition of Texas lawmakers and secured language in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024 to streamline the presidential permitting processfor building key bridges across the Rio Grande in Brownsville, Laredo, and Eagle Pass, Texas. The bill was signed into law by President Biden.
- Cruz workedwith a Democrat colleague to designate the Interstate 14 extension as a high priority project, a major victory that will benefit the entire Permian Basin region.
