Press Releases
Arrington Introduces Bill to Hold Mexico Accountable for Energy Investment Violations
Washington,
November 10, 2025
Washington, D.C. – Last week, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced the Mexican Energy Trade Enforcement Act, legislation that would provide President Trump and the U.S. Trade Representative with the Congressional backing to hold Mexico accountable for violating energy investment commitments it agreed to in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). This legislation is being co-led by Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), fellow co-chairs of the Congressional Energy Export Caucus in the House. “In his landmark USMCA trade agreement, President Trump secured historic commitments to open Mexico’s energy markets to American investment and guarantee fair treatment for U.S. producers. Unfortunately, President Biden failed to enforce those commitments, allowing Mexico to break its promises and give preferential treatment to its state-run oil and power companies while shutting out American competition,” said Chairman Arrington. “My Mexican Energy Trade Enforcement Act gives President Trump the full backing of Congress to hold Mexico accountable, defend American energy producers, and ensure our trade agreements are enforced with the strength and resolve the American people deserve.” “The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is crucial to our economy, and we must ensure all agreements made under the framework are upheld. Mexico’s preferential treatment of its state-owned energy companies undermines the commitments agreed to in USMCA and puts American energy producers at a disadvantage,” said Congresswoman Miller. “The Mexican Energy Trade Enforcement Act reaffirms our commitment to fair and open access to energy markets, ensuring that U.S. energy can compete on a level playing field. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Energy Export Caucus, I am proud to support this legislation to keep our nation at the forefront of global energy production.” “I'm co-leading this bipartisan bill with my good friend Jodey Arrington to make sure Mexico lives up to its USMCA commitments and treats American companies fairly,” said Congressman Cuellar. “We built these trade agreements to create jobs, grow our energy exports, and keep North America strong – this bill ensures we all play by the same rules.” “The U.S. Chamber is pleased to support Congressman Arrington’s Mexican Energy Trade Enforcement Act, which would protect U.S. companies from discriminatory treatment and hold Mexico accountable to its broader commitments outlined in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA),” said John Murphy, Senior Vice President and Head of International at U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “To unlock the agreement’s full potential and serve as a counterpoint to growing geopolitical tensions, Mexico’s new import permits for energy products, instances of policies that favor Mexican state-owned competitors, excessive red tape and administrative burdens, unjustified inspections, and customs and fiscal audits must be addressed. This bill is a welcome step toward resolving these systemic issues, restoring USMCA’s intended growth, and ensuring the agreement is fully enforced.” “The Permian Basin Petroleum Association (PBPA) applauds Congressman Jodey Arrington for introducing the Mexican Energy Trade Enforcement Act, which seeks to hold Mexico accountable to its commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA),” said Ben Shepperd, President of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association. “The Permian Basin is the heart of America’s energy production and a key driver of energy security and economic growth for both the United States and our North American partners. Ensuring that U.S. energy producers are treated equitably abroad is essential to maintaining that leadership. The Mexican Energy Trade Enforcement Act provides Congressional backing for the United States Trade Representative to pursue dispute resolution and enforcement measures to secure non-discriminatory access for U.S. energy companies and to defend the integrity of the USMCA. PBPA stands firmly behind efforts to strengthen fair trade, protect American energy investment, and uphold the rule of law in international energy markets. We thank Congressman Arrington and the bill’s supporters for their leadership in ensuring that U.S. producers—many of them based right here in the Permian Basin—can compete on a level playing field.” “The Energy Workforce & Technology Council strongly supports the Mexican Energy Trade Enforcement Act,” said Tim Tarpley, President of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. “For too long, Mexico’s state-owned enterprises have benefited from preferential treatment that distorts competition, limits U.S. investment, and suppresses the export of American energy technology. Congressman Arrington’s legislation is a critical step toward holding Mexico accountable under the USMCA and ensures a level playing field for U.S. energy companies. Enforcing fair trade also helps address the over $1.2 billion owed already to American firms by PEMEX, while strengthening our economy and supporting debt reduction through increased exports.” “API appreciates Rep. Arrington’s leadership in holding Mexico accountable for failing to meet its USMCA energy commitments,” said Kristin Whitman, Senior Vice President of Federal Relations for the American Petroleum Institute. “Ensuring a level playing field for U.S. companies operating in Mexico is essential to maintaining the integrity of the agreement, and this legislation is an important step toward a stronger, more mutually beneficial North American energy partnership.” “ACP applauds Congress' efforts to address Mexico's violation of their North American energy integration commitments under USMCA,” said Frank Macchiarola, Chief Advocacy Officer of the American Clean Power Association. “The Mexican government's growing adoption of energy policies that provide unfair advantages to state-run energy firms and deter private investment poses a direct threat to the livelihoods of U.S. companies and their employees.” Background:
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