85R27009 RMA-D
 
  By: Anchia H.C.R. No. 103
 
  Substitute the following for H.C.R. No. 103:
 
  By:  Anchia C.S.H.C.R. No. 103
 
 
 
HOUSE 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, The Texas economy would be negatively impacted
  should the United States withdraw from NAFTA; it is vital that Texas
  protect its economic interests; 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 on Texas of any proposed modifications to NAFTA being
  considered; 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.