Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt, representing Alabama, addressed the Senate on December 20, 2024, alongside Senators Bill Hagerty from Tennessee, Tim Kaine from Virginia, and Tommy Tuberville also from Alabama. They spoke in defense of American companies like Vulcan Materials Company. This Birmingham-based company is facing challenges as it attempts to regain access to its facilities in Quintana Roo, Mexico. These facilities were reportedly seized unlawfully by the Mexican government.

Senator Britt expressed concern over actions by foreign governments that impact U.S. interests and citizens negatively. She criticized Mexico for targeting law-abiding Americans instead of focusing on criminal elements such as cartels.

Britt highlighted a report from The Wall Street Journal about alleged secret negotiations by the Biden Administration regarding the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA). According to Britt's remarks: “The changes... would rob American companies like Vulcan of the protections they’ve relied on when investing in partner countries.” She further accused the administration of undermining American interests without Congressional oversight.

In response to these issues, Britt supports legislation proposed by Senator Bill Hagerty called the Defending American Property Abroad Act. This legislation aims to prevent Mexico from benefiting financially from what is described as unlawful seizures of Vulcan’s property.

Britt emphasized that “American interests, American families, American values, Americans’ securities must come first,” urging a stronger stance against international actions perceived as harmful to U.S. entities.

Vulcan Materials Company has faced several challenges since 2018 when it initiated NAFTA arbitration against Mexico due to alleged harassment and illegal land-use changes affecting its operations in Quintana Roo. In March 2023, their port facility was reportedly taken at gunpoint by Mexican forces under orders from President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Despite a withdrawal of Mexican forces following diplomatic interventions, tensions remain high with continued threats against Vulcan’s operations in Mexico. Efforts continue through legislative measures like the Defending American Property Abroad Act introduced by several senators including Britt and her colleagues.