85R14802 BPG-D     By: Anchia H.C.R. No. 103       CONCURRENT RESOLUTION          WHEREAS, Since 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement   has transformed economic relations among the United States, Mexico,   and Canada; and          WHEREAS, The accord has driven unprecedented integration   among the economies, helping to more than triple regional trade and   encouraging a dramatic rise in cross-border investment; economists   largely agree that NAFTA has enhanced prosperity in all three   countries, as regional trade increased sharply over the first two   decades, from roughly $290 billion in 1993 to more than $1.1   trillion in 2016; as many as 14 million U.S. jobs rely on this   trade; and          WHEREAS, The economic effects of NAFTA on Texas are   particularly profound, due to its proximity to Mexico, which is the   state's top export market; in 2015, exports from Texas to Mexico   totaled $92.5 billion, and as of 2014, 382,000 Texas jobs depended   on cross-border trade; moreover, the availability of lower-priced   goods from Mexico has had a favorable influence on the state's cost   of living; and          WHEREAS, During the past election cycle, NAFTA was a frequent   political target, and its future is now uncertain; the Texas   economy would undergo major upheaval should the United States   withdraw from or renegotiate NAFTA, and it is vital that state   government explore the possible ramifications; now, therefore, be   it          RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas   hereby request the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the House   of Representatives to create a joint interim committee to study the   impact of any proposals by the federal government to alter or   abrogate the North American Free Trade Agreement; and, be it   further          RESOLVED, That the committee's proceedings and operations be   governed by such general rules and policies for joint interim   committees as the 85th Legislature may adopt.