Central Louisiana News

WASHINGTON – Last night, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered remarks at a reception hosted by the American Circular Textiles (ACT) and Borderplex Alliance celebrating the introduction of the Americas Act.

During the event, Cassidy emphasized the importance of his bipartisan, bicameral Americas Act, stating, "The United States has lacked a coherent hemispheric strategy for generations." He pointed out the need for a comprehensive plan to counter the Chinese Communist Party's increasing control over global manufacturing and geopolitics.

Highlighting the potential impact of the Americas Act on Louisiana, Cassidy mentioned Orbia Industries, a Mexican manufacturing company that has invested in the state. He noted, "Orbia is a great example of a company choosing to do business here instead of China and is the type of investment that Americas Act will incentivize."

The Americas Act, co-led by U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), aims to create a permanent trade partnership within the Americas. The bill has garnered support from various officials and industry representatives across the Western Hemisphere.

Cassidy, along with Bennet and other lawmakers, introduced the Americas Act in March 2024. The plan focuses on expanding the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement and establishing an investment corporation to promote economic development in the hemisphere. Last year, Cassidy and Bennet addressed the Council of the Americas, stressing the importance of reimagining U.S. Latin America policy.

The reception was attended by officials from Uruguay, Costa Rica, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Mexico, as well as industry representatives. The Americas Act aims to create more job opportunities in the U.S. and shift manufacturing back to the Western Hemisphere.

The comprehensive strategy outlined in the Americas Act seeks to boost economic growth and counter the influence of the Chinese Communist Party in the region. Cassidy's emphasis on incentivizing investments like Orbia's in Louisiana reflects the bill's broader goal of promoting domestic manufacturing and job creation.