Georgetown, Guyana – This week, I’ve been in Latin America, working with a bipartisan delegation of members of the House Ways and Means Committee to expand trade opportunities for Texas's and America's small businesses and farmers.

Our first stop on Monday was in Mexico City, Mexico, where my colleagues and I met with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Mexico is America’s top trading partner. My colleagues and I pressed the Mexican government to abide by its obligations under the USMCA agreement to buy American-made and American-grown products. 

Similarly, I implored the Mexican President to take a more serious role in combating drug cartel violence, human trafficking, and the proliferation of deadly fentanyl. It is important that our countries work together for stronger public safety, protection of our citizens, and mutually beneficial expansion of North American trade including vital supply chain manufacturing.

Read more about how I stood up for American farmers and small businesses here.

On Wednesday, my colleagues and I traveled to Ecuador, where we had a productive discussion with Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso and regional business leaders.

Unfortunately, the Biden Administration has failed to develop new trade agreements, which has caused American manufacturers and farmers to lose access to foreign markets, like Ecuador, where they could sell their goods. As we discussed exporting more American-made and American-grown goods to Ecuador, my colleagues and I stressed the importance of a strong bilateral relationship as we work to counter China’s creeping influence in the region.

Earlier today, we reached Guyana, which has a booming oil sector. I’ll be meeting with the Guyanese President later today, where I plan to emphasize that the United States will not allow China to take control of a valuable energy resource in our hemisphere.

I hope you've had a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Our Texas-24 Hometown Hero of the week is Bob Harris, co-founder of the Irving-based non-profit Level Pathways. Level Pathways supports homeless youth by giving them a safe and nurturing environment to live, learn, and graduate.

I want to thank Bob for his dedication to our North Texas community.

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for our community? Nominate a Texas-24 Hometown Hero here.

As a Member of Congress, I have the honor of nominating exceptional #TX24 individuals to our nation’s service academies. I’m pleased to announce that the 2023 North Texas U.S. Service Academies Forum will take place on April 1, 2023. Learn more here: https://fb.me/e/3mLzqGIUb

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your voice in Washington. To stay up to date on what's happening each week, follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, GETTR, Parler, Rumble, and YouTube. 

Please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can ever be of service to you. 

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24)