Jefferson Reporter

The Washington Times recently featured a column authored by U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Bill Hagerty, and Tommy Tuberville, addressing concerns over the Biden Administration's trade negotiations. The senators criticized efforts by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to finalize a trade proposal before January 20, which they argue could compromise American interests and national security.

In their column, the senators stated, "The Biden Administration is working overtime to remind Americans why they voted for President-elect Donald Trump...one of the most harmful yet underreported measures is an effort by U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai to lock in before Jan. 20 a difficult-to-reverse trade proposal." They emphasized that this measure would endanger national and economic security due to its potential impact on Vulcan’s port in the Yucatan Peninsula.

The lawmakers urged Congress to pass the Defending American Property Abroad Act, stating, "America’s government must protect American interests." This act aims to restrict vessels using expropriated U.S. infrastructure from entering American ports.

Senator Britt also addressed these concerns in a letter published by The Wall Street Journal, advocating for her bipartisan legislation that seeks retaliatory measures against Mexico if it benefits from Vulcan Materials Company's property seizure in Quintana Roo. Vulcan Materials Company is based in Birmingham, Alabama.

Background information reveals that Vulcan began arbitration against Mexico under NAFTA in 2018 due to operational disruptions and property seizures. In March 2023, Mexican military forces seized Vulcan's port facility at Punta Venado at gunpoint. Following diplomatic interventions, Mexican forces withdrew from the site.

Despite these developments, Mexican President AMLO has continued threats against Vulcan's operations. Senators Britt and others have consistently condemned actions against Vulcan and called for reversing these measures while promoting solutions beneficial to all parties involved.