00:00Appreciate you coming on back because you've recently returned from Mexico after traveling there with a bipartisan delegation to meet with Mexican officials, as well as the president herself, President Scheinbaum, to talk about issues including border security as well as trade.
00:15So to start off our conversation, how did those talks go?
00:18We had a great trip to Mexico, traveling with a congressional delegation, French Hill, chair of the Financial Services Committee, and obviously represented the Agriculture Committee, also served as a member of Armed Services.
00:35But while we were there, we had an opportunity to talk to the president and many others, cabinet members, as well as business leaders within Mexico.
00:49Some of the takeaways for me, one, which is so important, is the border is on the mind of the president.
00:59It was made clear to us when we were made aware that 10,000 Mexican National Guard troops had been deployed to the border.
01:13And according to their estimates, they have successfully prevented, since the beginning of this year, nearly 700,000 border crossings.
01:25This is huge.
01:26When we paralleled this with the efforts with the administration, we have clearly seen the number of border crossings, unlawful crossings, come down significantly, almost to a halt here into the country.
01:46So I think that was really reassuring to hear.
01:51But not only that, but the efforts that are underway in which Mexico is actually coordinating with the United States for surveillance to help to curtail illicit fentanyl that's making its way into the borders.
02:09But not only that, but efforts to actually tackle just the awful operations that come as a result of the cartel activities that we see that's taking place.
02:23So there's a lot that's going on that's taking place.
02:28And, you know, to hear, to get the update, I think is, again, reassuring.
02:35And we need to continue to make sure that we have a secure border.
02:41And I believe it's top of mind of not only the United States, but also the president of Mexico.
02:48I'm curious where the president of Mexico's head is at when it comes to fentanyl, because President Trump said that trade negotiations with Mexico are still ongoing, but that 25 percent fentanyl tariff is still in effect.
03:02What does the president of Mexico think about that?
03:04And do you personally think that's an effective deterrent?
03:07Yeah, you know, what I can't necessarily officially speak on behalf of the president, we can definitely confirm that we had great conversations around trying to curtail illicit fentanyl activities.
03:24We can also definitely verify that we understand the importance of the United States and Mexico's relationship.
03:35Our economies are intertwined and therefore it's important now more than ever that we're able to work through some of these challenging issues that and quite frankly, challenges not only for us, but challenges for Mexicans.
03:54You know, on the Mexican side of the border.
03:58So, you know, I'm saying all this to say that we have to do everything to curtail nearly 200 overdoses that's current every single day in this country.
04:13This is a major issue, and it's good to see that the U.S. and Mexico are collaborating more to at least deal with surveillance.
04:25I'm curious when it comes to trade negotiations, what were your takeaways there?
04:31Is Mexico happy with the way that they're going so far?
04:34Are you happy with the way they're going so far?
04:36What did you make of that?
04:38Yes, Mexico is the United States' number one trade partner, and we must never forget that.
04:47Our economies are so connected, so it's important to have a healthy relationship.
04:54Obviously, when we talk about trade, the number I remember, the president of Mexico implied that nearly 70,000 Mexicans have lost employment while we've been dealing with the issue around trade, trade policy.
05:16And it is really important that we're able to have stable trade policy.
05:23It wasn't just the president, but we heard that loud and clear, too, from many of the business community while we were actually on the trip as well.
05:33So when we're now facing the renewal of the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement, this is going to be hugely important.
05:47What happens is going to impact so many.
05:51So it is important for us to get it right, and it is important what I hear and have heard over and over and over again is that there's stability, predictability within the trade.
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