REFERENCE TITLE: urging Congress; increase customs personnel

State of Arizona Senate Fifty-second Legislature Second Regular Session 2016

SCM 1010

Introduced by Senators Dalessandro, Farley; Representative Gabaldón: Senator Lesko

 

A CONCURRENT MEMORIAL

 

urging the congress of the united states to act to increase the number of United States customs field office personnel at the ports of entry in Nogales, Douglas and San Luis, Arizona.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

To the Congress of the United States of America:

Your memorialist respectfully represents:

Whereas, the United States and Mexico are important trading partners, and commerce between the two countries is a critical source of jobs, income and exchange; and 

Whereas, according to the United States Department of Commerce, more than $500 billion in bilateral trade and over $100 billion occurs in cross‑border investment annually; and

Whereas, in Arizona, $28 billion in two-way trade is processed annually through Arizona's ports of entry; and

Whereas, according to the United States Census Bureau, Arizona exports to Mexico totaled $7.1 billion in 2013; and

Whereas, the prime conduits for cross-border trade are through the ports of entry in Nogales, Douglas and San Luis, Arizona; and

Whereas, the Customs Field Office personnel within the United States Custom and Border Protection service of the United States Department of Homeland Security serve a vital function in promoting security and economic stability; and

Whereas, the lack of capacity and staffing for customs inspections at these primary entry points create congestion for incoming and outgoing goods, hampers commercial activity and potentially compromises border security; and

Whereas, these impediments ultimately translate into perished agricultural produce and lost business opportunities and income; and 

Whereas, the rapid delivery of goods and commerce enhances business activity and strengthens economic integration; and

Whereas, greater inspection capacity at the United States border at the ports of entry in Nogales, Douglas and San Luis, Arizona will enhance the safety and swiftness of goods moving across the border, benefiting the economies of both nations; and

Whereas, increasing the number of Customs Field Office personnel at these ports will facilitate commercial traffic and will result in increased economic growth and stability for Arizona; and

Whereas, the letter dated October 14, 2014, signed by every member of the Arizona Congressional delegation and sent to the United States Department of Homeland Security expressed the need for greater staffing and allocation of personnel to Arizona's ports of entry.

Wherefore your memorialist, the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring, prays:

1.  That the United States Congress act expediently to increase and maintain staffing for qualified and properly vetted Customs Field Office personnel at the ports of entry in Nogales, Douglas and San Luis, Arizona in order to prudently speed the flow of goods and commerce.

2.  That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit copies of this Memorial to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State of Arizona.