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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) issued the following statement commending the Trump Administration, during its final hours, for issuing a “New Start” designation for the Houston Ship Channel (HSC) Expansion Project, which will allow the federal government to begin working alongside the Port of Houston to expand and widen one of the country’s busiest and most vital waterways.

“After years of working on behalf of this project, I am exceedingly proud that the Houston Ship Channel received a New Start designation – officially kick-starting the highly anticipated dredging and widening of the HSC,” said Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36). “Ensuring this important initiative was brought to life has been a top priority for me in Congress. Expanding the HSC will revolutionize Texas by modernizing and improving our infrastructure, which is a critical step toward advancing America’s energy independence and strengthening our national security. I am grateful to my colleagues in Congress for their support, the Trump Administration for their attention to this project, and the many Texans who aided me and my staff in securing this essential designation. Congratulations to everyone involved – this is a major achievement.”

“The Port of Houston channel improvement project not only supports over 1.3 million Texas jobs and $800 billion in economic value, but will also ensure the U.S. remains a top energy exporter – a goal we achieved under the leadership of President Trump,” said Rep. Kevin Brady (TX-08). “This important New Start designation is welcome news for the Greater Houston Area, and will allow the project to move forward in expedited fashion. I’m proud to have helped this project achieve this designation, and look forward to seeing this project take the next steps.”

“This vital project will enable the federal government to partner with the Port of Houston to expand the Houston Ship Channel to provide smoother and more efficient navigation. This key infrastructure improvement will help stimulate our economy and provide jobs for Texans,” said Rep. Michael McCaul (TX-10).

“This is excellent news for oil and gas in Texas,” said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). “Expanding the Houston Ship Channel means an increase in oil exports and production, and thousands of new jobs to keep up with demand. I applaud President Trump’s administration for working up until the last second to protect American energy independence and am looking forward to seeing the project through to completion.”

“I’m proud to be a part of this exciting and unprecedented accomplishment that will directly deliver more jobs and economic revenue to my district, the State of Texas, and our country,” said Rep. Troy Nehls (TX-22).

“This is a critical milestone that has been years in the making,” said Rep. Dan Crenshaw (TX-02). “The Houston Ship Channel is the busiest waterway in the nation, supporting millions of jobs in Texas and boosting America’s economy. This New Start designation will help construction begin on the expansion project, taking the success of the Houston Ship Channel to another level for our community.”

“I applaud the Trump Administration for awarding the New Start designation to the Port of Houston and allowing them to begin construction on the expansion project in the coming months,” said Rep. Wright (TX-06). “This project will create more Texas jobs, reaffirm our commitment to American energy dominance, and build on the economic success of the Port of Houston. I want to thank my colleague and friend, Congressman Babin, for all his work on getting this over the finish line. This is a HUGE win for Texans, and I can't wait to see the completed project.”

“Texas continues to lead in international trade, but our status as the global powerhouse would not be possible without critical infrastructure like the Port of Houston,” said Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19). “Enhancing Texas ports are crucial to market access for agriculture and energy producers in West Texas, and I look forward to the increased safety, efficiency, and reliability that the Port’s Channel Expansion Project will bring.”

“To go from Congressional authorization to securing a pathway for construction in less than a month is phenomenal news,” said Port Houston Chairman Ric Campo. “Project 11 will provide the greater Houston metropolitan area continued job growth and economic development opportunities, while improving air quality by reducing traffic congestion on the channel.”

“Thanks to the leadership of our Texas Congressional delegation, the New Start award and commencement of this critical project will strengthen the Texas economy and jobs outlook, generate local and state tax revenue and create a stronger balance of trade and national security,” said Enterprise Products Co-CEO Jim Teague. “The Houston Ship Channel is our Nation's busiest and most strategic waterway and the widening and deepening of it will further cement its importance to the world.”

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