Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) appointed Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) to the U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Group (IPG) for the 115th Congress last week.
IPG is tasked with fostering dialogue between members of the United States’ and Mexican legislative bodies on issues of bilateral importance.
“His experience as an undercover CIA officer and cybersecurity entrepreneur will be useful as we work to tackle some of our biggest shared challenges with Mexico, like border security and organized crime,” Ryan said. “I look forward to Will’s contributions as we continue to strengthen ties between our two nations.”
Antonio Garza, former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, cited Hurd’s advocacy of modernizing the North American Free Trade Agreement, new energy developments, and cyber protections between the two nations in his support of the appointment.
Hurd’s district spans more than 800 miles of the U.S. border with Mexico, more than any other member in the House.
“The largest trading partner for Texas is Mexico,” Hurd said. “It is now more important than ever that we strengthen our relationship as allies and partners, so we can work together to solve our complex border challenges without sacrificing the livelihood of millions of Texans.”
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) was appointed as the group’s chair for the U.S. delegation.