Economic Opportunity for Border Communities Act

The Economic Opportunity for Border Communities Act would require the Secretary of Commerce to develop a national strategy to boost economic opportunity in U.S. border communities. The strategy focuses on growing jobs in sectors linked to logistics, international trade, manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture; strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness; lowering the costs of exports and imports; and expanding workforce development, including vocational training. The plan must assess incentives (such as tax incentives), propose statutory or regulatory changes to achieve these goals, and coordinate with the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, and Transportation to evaluate how housing, rural infrastructure, and transportation infrastructure affect border-area economic development. A report detailing the strategy would be due to Congress within one year of enactment. The bill defines a border community as a municipality within 15 miles of a land port of entry. The bill was introduced by Representatives Vasquez and Ciscomani.