AIM to Biden Administration: "Please reopen southern border rail crossings ASAP"

By Ray McCarty

December 19, 2023 - Associated Industries of Missouri sent letters to all the Missouri Congressional Delegation today asking for their help in reopening the rail border crossings at El Paso and Eagle Pass. Here is the text of the letter:

"Associated Industries of Missouri is the state's oldest general business trade association, serving business members of all sizes and types across Missouri.

The abrupt closure of the international rail crossings at El Paso and Eagle Pass, Texas, are dramatically impacting Missouri consumers, manufacturers, farmers, and virtually every other industry in Missouri.

We are seeking your assistance in asking the U. S. Customs and Border Protection to immediately withdraw its sudden closure of these international rail crossings and reopen them as soon as possible.

We understand around 45 percent of cross-border rail traffic for Union Pacific and BNSF use the Eagle Pass and El Paso border crossings. We also understand the closure of these crossings is affecting 100 trains and 10,000 rail cars each day! The railroads are not able to deliver raw materials and finished goods, impacting nearly all Missouri manufacturers.

We believe the federal government should provide the solution to illegal immigration, but closing down our companies' ability to get goods across the border with Mexico is not the right answer.

Missouri had 16 freight railroads operating 3,734 miles of track and employing 5,740 employees with average wages of around $134,000 in 2021. The top products transported by rail in Missouri include farm products, coal, food products, chemicals, and glass and stone. The railways form an integral part of multimodal transportation of goods as well. These two international rail crossings must be reopened immediately.

We appreciate all your office can do to encourage the CBP to reopen these rail crossings and thank you for any help you may provide."