WASHINGTON, DC — As first reported in The Blaze, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) led a group of 35 GOP lawmakers on a letter commending President Trump for his administration's commitment to protecting American industries and jobs, which starkly contrasts the previous administration.

In the letter, the members also requested that the President demand a resolution for Vulcan Materials Company as he discusses trade and border security issues with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. This is necessary, as the previous administration stood idly by as the Mexican government forced the closure of Vulcan Materials' limestone quarry and deepwater port in the Yucatan Peninsula in 2022.

The members wrote, in part, "Mexico must resolve this crisis by engaging in good faith negotiations to account for their illegal actions. The egregious treatment of Vulcan Materials Company, the largest producer of construction aggregates in the U.S. and a key supporter of infrastructure development in both the United States and Mexico, underscores the necessity of such strong measures... Beyond the concerning expropriation of Vulcan's property, we are troubled by reports that the adjacent Mayan Train project may be funded by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). We request that your administration urgently investigate to clarify the true developers of this project to ensure the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative does not establish a presence in this strategically vital location. Should evidence emerge of activities that threaten U.S. national security, we urge your administration to implement the necessary actions to protect our national interests."

This letter builds on Rep. Pfluger's ongoing efforts to protect Vulcan Materials, including his introduction of the Defending American Property Abroad Act last Congress and his leadership on a bipartisan letter to the Mexican Ambassador demanding answers about Mexico's actions against the American company.

See the full letter here or read the full text below.

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Dear President Trump,

We write to express our strong support and commendation for your administration's commitment to protecting American industries and jobs. This starkly contrasts the previous administration, which stood by as the Mexican government forced the closure of Vulcan Materials’ limestone quarry and deepwater port in the Yucatan Peninsula in 2022.

As you discuss trade and border security issues with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, we ask that you demand a resolution for Vulcan Materials Company. Mexico must resolve this crisis by engaging in good faith negotiations to account for their illegal actions.

The egregious treatment of Vulcan Materials Company, the largest producer of construction aggregates in the U.S. and a key supporter of infrastructure development in both the United States and Mexico, underscores the necessity of such strong measures. In 1986, with encouragement from the Mexican government, Vulcan Materials Company purchased land to build and operate a limestone quarry along with the only deepwater port on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. This operation has played a crucial role in U.S. infrastructure by supplying essential construction materials from Texas to Florida and the Carolinas. These areas lack the local aggregate resources needed to construct critical infrastructure. Vulcan’s Mexican operation has provided a cost-effective supply of materials necessary for building and maintaining American construction jobs, all while contributing greatly to Mexico’s tax base and infrastructure.

However, on May 5, 2022, under the direction of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), Mexico’s military forces invaded Vulcan's facilities and unlawfully shut down Vulcan’s operations. Since then, the Gulf and southern Atlantic coasts of the United States have lost a vital supply of construction materials, disrupting the construction of essential infrastructure projects and putting American jobs at risk. Additionally, on September 23, 2024, President AMLO effectively expropriated Vulcan's property by designating it a "naturally protected area." President Sheinbaum is currently considering a "management plan"—which could potentially benefit Mexican and other foreign interests at the cost of an American company.

The Yucatan Peninsula's strategic location, less than 400 miles from Florida, requires vigilant protection of both U.S. economic and national security interests. Beyond the concerning expropriation of Vulcan's property, we are troubled by reports that the adjacent Mayan Train project may be funded by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). We request that your administration urgently investigate to clarify the true developers of this project to ensure the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative does not establish a presence in this strategically vital location. Should evidence emerge of activities that threaten U.S. national security, we urge your administration to implement the necessary actions to protect our national interests.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to upholding American First interests. Holding Mexico accountable sends a powerful message that the United States fully supports its businesses and workers. We stand ready to back your efforts to protect American companies and hold our allies responsible for their unfair treatment of American businesses.

Sincerely,