Rep. Cuellar Announces New Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Office in Laredo

Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will establish a Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Field Office at the World Trade Bridge (WTB) port of entry, in Laredo, Texas.

Rep. Cuellar secured funding for this office through his support of CBP's port of entry operations including robust staffing for the Office of Field Operations in the Fiscal Year 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill.

CTPAT is CBP's flagship program public aimed at strengthening international supply chain security while at the same time facilitating legitimate low-risk cargo. Activities for the Laredo CTPAT office will include the review of CTPAT program applications, assessment of eligibility requirements, certification and validation of new members, and the continued maintenance of accounts and revalidation of CTPAT members in accordance with the SAFE Port Act of 2006. The area of responsibility (AOR) for the Laredo CTPAT office during its formation will include but is not limited to, the Laredo, Texas commuting area, and the cross-border cities within the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico.

"This office will be critical to security and trade," said Dr. Cuellar, Senior Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. "Laredo is home to the nation's number one port of entry, and we need every resource available to ensure it is not only secure but also able to process trade efficiently. That is why I fought hard to secure robust funding for CBP's port of entry operations. I look forward to working with CBP to ensure this project is successful and that we continue to have the resources needed to keep our communities safe."

Dr. Cuellar continued, "I would like to thank NCBFAA President JD Gonzalez, CTPAT Director Dina Amato, Laredo CBP Port Director Albert Flores, Susan Thomas, Executive Director, Cargo and Conveyance Security (CCS), Office of Field Operations (OFO), and the Laredo trade community for their leadership and help in getting this done."

In fiscal year 2023, the port of Laredo processed $211 billion in import value, 69% of which was through trade partnerships with CTPAT entities.

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