Gulf of Mexico Congressional Caucus
The Gulf of Mexico Congressional Caucus Advisory Committee is the Partnership’s public policy initiative that works with Members of the Caucus to educate policymakers on Gulf of Mexico-related issues. The Advisory Committee hosts seminars, briefings, Congressional Delegations and regional workshops.
What Is The Gulf Of Mexico Congressional Caucus?
The Gulf of Mexico Congressional Caucus focuses attention and leverages resources to develop policies that will
- Facilitate commerce across the Gulf "water border",
- Bolster homeland security
- Spur trade expansion
- Relieve transportation bottlenecks
- Reduce pollution through increased use of the Gulf's ports and intermodal infrastructure.
Creating a wholly new political and economic approach to the Gulf of Mexico basin, the Caucus was founded in 2004 and is chaired by Congresswoman Katherine Harris (R-FL) and vice-chair Congressman Jim Davis (D-FL). The Caucus enables the US Gulf states to leverage significant collective political influence and to ensure that adequate federal resources are channeled to the region in an effort to raise living standards, promote sustainable development, and enhance security. As of February 2005, the Caucus counted 31 Members of Congress representing each of the five US Gulf of Mexico border states.
The Caucus mission is as follows:
The Gulf of Mexico Congressional Caucus contributes to and influences the Nation's major public policy debates on trade, economic development, environmental stewardship, transportation, and homeland security by disseminating research, crafting legislation and engaging elected officials, constituents, and business and community leaders.
"In these four core areas, the Caucus will strive to:
- Promote growth by reducing trade barriers between the United States and neighboring countries in the Gulf Region.
- Improve the socioeconomic conditions in the Gulf of Mexico States by enhancing transportation and infrastructure.
- Increase the security and protection of America's Southern ports and borders.
- Safeguard the Gulf Region's precious shorelines and natural resources. "