Alabama’s Congressional delegation is calling on Mexico to stop unlawfully trying to take control the Vulcan Materials Company, an Alabama-based construction aggregates producer.
U.S. Reps. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover), Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham), Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), Jerry Carl (R-Mobile), Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), Mike Rogers (R-Saks), and Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) released a joint statement condemning the ongoing harassment of Vulcan Materials Company.
“Make no mistake, Mexico’s recent actions to label Vulcan’s land and port as a ‘naturally protected area’ is an expropriation of a lawfully permitted, U.S.-owned operation,” the statement said. “This comes after the Mexican government has illegally shut down Vulcan’s operations for 26 months and illegally invaded their property twice with their military.”
This recent move by Mexico is part of a trend that started over two years ago when the Mexican government invaded and shut down Vulcan’s Punta Venado deep-water port in Quintana Roo.
“Should Mexico proceed with its intended proposal, it will set a dangerous precedent, harming economic development and the trade relationship between our two countries,” the lawmakers said. “This is especially concerning as Mexico is seeking U.S. interest and investment in infrastructure and near-shoring opportunities.”
The members of Congress also warned the Mexican government that there will be consequences for these recent actions if they are not reversed in the near future.
“Our delegation has taken numerous legislative actions that will counter Mexico’s unlawful aggressions, and, should Mexico act, we are well positioned to ensure no individual or entity will benefit off the theft of Vulcan’s property and port,” they said. “Accordingly, we urge Mexico to reverse the actions taken against Vulcan and work towards a beneficial solution for all parties involved.”
Recent actions taken by the delegation include:
- May 13, 2024, Letter to Secretary Barcena urging Mexico to reverse its unlawful treatment of Vulcan and find an amicable path forward.
- Inclusion of language in the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Action for US Department of Defense to examine the impacts of foreign nation seizing the only deep-water port on the Yucatan.
- Inclusion of language in the FY 2025 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act that condemns Mexico’s aggression and directs the Department of State to develop a responsive strategy to represent commercial interests of the United States, including diplomatic incentives and disincentives for Mexico to stop interfering with American companies.
- Working with broad range of bipartisan Members of Congress to introduce HR 8411, the Defending American Property Abroad Act, which would prohibit vessels from entering the U.S. if they utilize port and connected infrastructure seized by a Western Hemisphere trading partner.
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee
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