This week in Congress, I met with representatives from southwest border states for the 4th Annual US-Mexico Border Conference to focus on issues that originate at our borders but resound throughout our country. Whether it's water pollution or truck traffic, from the Alamo City to Mexico City, activity along the US Mexico border makes a difference in our national economy and our personal health. The border region lies between two countries which share infrastructure, resources and responsibilities as neighbors and partners for a brighter future.
Infrastructure is a word that gets used often in Washington.
In the context of the border, it means international bridges, interstate highways, waste water treatment plants, health clinics, schools, and irrigation systems. Beyond the bricks and mortar, we must remember that infrastructure also includes human capital, most notably good health and a solid education. A lack of infrastructure, just like a lack of planning, holds us back in our border development efforts. We can agree on anything, but without the infrastructure on the ground, we will never see the benefits. Nor will our children.