The Future of Passenger Rail in South Texas

During last night’s Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations markup, I highlighted language included in the bill directing the Federal Railroad Administration to provide an updated assessment of potential passenger rail service between Texas and Mexico, including the San Antonio-Laredo corridor. This language builds on my 2017 study that identified significant opportunities for economic growth and increased commerce through expanded passenger rail connectivity. Since then, the binational relationship between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo continues to deepen. Laredo is already the number one inland port in the United States, and strengthening rail connections between San Antonio, Laredo, and Mexico would support economic development, improve mobility, and create new opportunities for workers, businesses, and travelers on both sides of the border. This language ensures the federal government takes a fresh look at the opportunities and challenges associated with passenger rail development in this critical corridor. I am pleased it is included in the bill, and I will continue working with federal, state, and local partners to move this conversation from study to reality and deliver long-term benefits for the communities I represent in TX-28.