JEC News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Chairman of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC), and the JEC Democrats released a new report Wednesday calling for full funding of the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC) in order to channel new investment for job creation, as well as civil and business infrastructure along the southwest border.

The report lays out how critical infrastructure development will increase regional job opportunities from trade, clean energy and other new industries and provide potential for local business growth and greater regional prosperity. 

The SBRC is up for reauthorization this year, and the report makes the case for a fully funded and active commission to support these economic development goals, pointing to the successes of several other regional commissions with similar objectives. To date, the SBRC has received significantly less appropriations than similar regional commissions, especially on a per-person basis, and large-scale public investment is necessary for the SBRC to help the region reach its full economic potential.

“The southwest border region is home to vibrant and resilient communities. With investment, it can also deliver new and growing businesses, more jobs, and increased local prosperity. We have the opportunity to provide the tools and resources that will allow for this growth and benefit the families and communities who live there,” Chairman Heinrich said. “By fully funding the Southwest Border Regional Commission, we can better establish this region as a hub of economic progress. An active SBRC will help increase local access to trade-related jobs, enhance industry diversity, and build up workforce development programs that will benefit our communities in the border region, as well as our nation as a whole.” 

The report can be found online in English here and in Spanish here.