Joco Today

Wichita, KS - U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. has strongly criticized President Biden and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, for their decision to close two major rail crossings at the U.S. southern border. The closure of the El Paso and Eagle Pass railroad crossings without any prior notice has resulted in a significant disruption to international commerce, leaving millions of dollars' worth of goods stranded and hurting producers' bottom lines just before the holidays.

"The Biden Administration's approach to addressing the national security threats at our southern border has been ill-advised since he stepped foot in the Oval Office," Senator Marshall expressed. "Mexico remains one of the U.S.'s top trading partners and the destination for agricultural goods raised and produced in Kansas. Biden's announcement to close two additional U.S.-Mexico rail crossings will have substantial and noticeable impacts on our state's family farms and ranches. Targeting rail traffic that allows farmers to move goods and grain while looking the other way as millions of illegal immigrants flood into the interior of our country is a clear display of poor judgment."

The closure of these major rail crossings, which account for nearly 45 percent of the rail cars passing between the U.S. and Mexico, has left more than $200 million of daily commerce stranded on the track. This sudden disruption has particularly affected agriculture commodities grown in Kansas, causing significant losses for farmers and ranchers.

The impact of the closure extends beyond the immediate financial loss. Trade disruptions will also give Mexico an opportunity to source commodities from other countries, potentially undermining the productive trade relations that have been established between the two countries over the years.

The Biden Administration has not provided any indication of when they plan to reopen freight operations at these locations, leaving businesses and producers in a state of uncertainty. The lack of communication and transparency regarding this decision has further frustrated Senator Marshall and many others who rely on these rail crossings for their livelihoods.

It is crucial for the administration to consider the broader implications of their actions and the negative consequences they have on international commerce. Senator Marshall's condemnation of the closure highlights the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach to border security that does not unduly disrupt legitimate trade and commerce.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Biden Administration will address the concerns raised by Senator Marshall and others who are impacted by this decision. However, it is clear that the closure of these major rail crossings has already had a significant impact on millions of dollars' worth of goods and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-blasts-president-biden-and-the-dhs-for-shutting-down-major-railways-putting-millions-in-international-commerce-at-a-standstill/