U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, AL-07, on Friday, condemned the illegal seizure of the Vulcan Materials plant by the Government of Mexico. Rep. Sewell led 13 of her colleagues, including every member of Alabama’s House delegation, in a bipartisan letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai requesting that USTR take action to address the seizure and make clear to the Mexican Government that there will be harsh repercussions should they proceed.
The lawmakers wrote, in part, “We are writing to express our frustration regarding the unlawful treatment that Vulcan Materials Company has faced from the Government of Mexico. We are deeply concerned about the impact of their proposed action to expropriate Vulcan’s land and port. If Mexico proceeds, there will be far-reaching implications for our bilateral relationship and national security.”
The lawmakers continued, “…we are calling on you and the department to use every available tool to deter the Government of Mexico from fully seizing Vulcan’s facilities and port. Failure to do so at this critical juncture will set a dangerous precedent that will have long-ranging impacts on our critical trade relationship and national security.”
The letter was also signed by Reps. Beth Van Duyne, TX-24; James Clyburn, SC-06; Adrian Smith, NE-03; Mike Rogers, AL-03; Robert Aderholt, AL-04; Gary Palmer, AL-06; Jerry Carl, AL-01; Barry Moore, AL-02; Dale Strong, AL-05; Salud Carbajal, CA-24; Jimmy Panetta, CA-19; Jim Costa, CA-21; and Jodey Arrington, TX-19.
Read the full letter here.
Background: Ever since the illegal invasion of Vulcan’s Punta Venado deep-water port in Quintana Roo by the Government of Mexico in May 2022, Rep. Sewell and her colleagues in the Alabama delegation have been united in advocating for the Alabama-based company.
In March 2023, the Alabama delegation met with Ambassador Moctezuma and advocated for Vulcan in its dispute with Mexico. Earlier this year, Rep. Sewell led Alabama’s House delegation in a letter to Mexico’s Foreign Relations Secretary Alicia Bárcena urging her to take action regarding the illegal seizure and warning of profound and lasting impacts on our trade relationship.
