U.S. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) is on the Mexican government’s case this week over their systematic efforts to seize Vulcan Material’s deep-water port in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Palmer led a letter to the Ambassador of Mexico to the United States condemning Mexico’s actions.
“Mexico’s continued disregard for the rule of law signals to companies in the United States and the rest of the world that Mexico cannot be trusted,” Palmer said. “By continuing to mistreat Vulcan Materials, the Mexican Government sets a dangerous precedent for our trade relationship. American companies being mistreated by foreign governments will not be tolerated.”
The letter was signed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers including every member of Alabama’s House Congressional delegation.
Mexico’s continued disregard for the rule of law signals to companies in the United States and the rest of the world that Mexico cannot be trusted.
By continuing to mistreat Vulcan Materials, the Mexican Government sets a dangerous precedent for our trade relationship.
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— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) September 26, 2024
“For years, via letters, meetings, and direct conversations, we have communicated to you and your colleagues that the ongoing mistreatment of Vulcan will not stand,” the letter said. “This most recent action represents a breach of trust. Mexico made a commitment to promote and protect foreign investments, but this action signals to the U.S. and to the world that Mexico cannot be trusted. This conduct will erode the U.S. – Mexico relationship as it relates to commerce and trade policy.”
The lawmakers are calling on the government of Mexico to reverse its provocative actions.
“We hope the GOM and the next President will reevaluate these actions,” they said. “We would like nothing more than to find productive ways to grow our mutual economies that improve our communities and way of life. Unfortunately, the expropriation of a lawfully permitted U.S. company that has operated above reproach for 40 years in Mexico seriously detracts from that shared vision.”
Earlier this week, U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) joined a bipartisan group of senators Monday in putting forward legislation authored by U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) that would prevent the Mexican government from taking over the Vulcan Port.
“President López Obrador’s scheme to seize Vulcan’s deep-water port would be a flagrant expropriation of a lawfully permitted, U.S.-owned operation,” Britt said about the bill. “Our bipartisan Defending American Property Abroad Act makes it clear that we’ll meet his illegal actions with crushing consequences.”
President López Obrador’s scheme to seize Vulcan’s deep-water port would be a flagrant expropriation of a lawfully permitted, U.S.-owned operation. Our bipartisan Defending American Property Abroad Act makes it clear that we’ll meet his illegal actions with crushing consequences. https://t.co/5X1elylQOp
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) September 23, 2024
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
