Heinrich: Juan Sanchez Is The Right Person For Co-Chair Of Southwest Border Regional Commission

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) applauded the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) for supporting Juan Eduardo Sanchez to be the Federal Co-Chairman of the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC). The full EPW committee advanced Mr. Sanchez’s nomination today during a business meeting by a voice vote. The nomination now awaits consideration by the full senate.

The commission is one of seven authorized federal regional commissions and authorities, which are congressionally-chartered, federal-state partnerships created to provide economic development in their respective areas. 

“For years, I have fought hard to see the Southwest Border Regional Commission finally funded - to deliver resources and boost economic development with the people and communities of the Southwest border. Juan Sanchez is exactly the person to now lead this Commission,” said Heinrich. “Juan has devoted his career to serving our vibrant Southwest border communities. He has a sincere belief in our government and excels at making it work better for all Americans. I’m pleased the Environment and Public Works committee acknowledges Juan’s strong track record of delivering critical infrastructure, educational, and economic investments to this region by advancing his nomination to the full senate. I can’t think of a better qualified nominee to lead the Southwest Border Regional Commission and support the thriving border communities in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. I remain dedicated to moving this nomination across the finish line.”

Congress first authorized the establishment of the SBRC in 2008 to promote economic development in the southern border regions of Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. In the previous two annual federal spending bills, Senator Heinrich successfully secured the first ever congressional investments to finally allow the SBRC to jump-start and expand its operations.

Mr. Sanchez's knowledge of the southwest region is both personal and professional. Raised in Laredo, Texas, on the U.S.-Mexico border, Mr. Sanchez attended public schools through college- graduating with a bachelor's degree in political science from Texas A&M International University, a Hispanic Serving Institution on the border. These experiences provided him first-hand knowledge of the unique challenges facing the SBRC service area.

Mr. Sanchez has spent more than twelve years in public service working to improve the quality of life for people on the U.S.-Mexico border. Through various positions in Congress, including his current role in Senator Heinrich’s office as the Director of Economic Development and Special Initiatives, Mr. Sanchez has worked with federal, state, and local governments to help create economic growth and development opportunities for the Southwest Region. His government service has included working hand in hand with community leaders in New Mexico and across South Texas, helping deliver resources and develop tools for underserved communities, Tribes, educational institutions, local governments, and non-profits. Mr. Sanchez has been a driving force in crafting the first-ever, bipartisan humanitarian aid reimbursement program for border communities; increasing federal investment in water infrastructure projects; helping local governments navigate COVID-19 relief funding; and securing the initial funding for the SBRC.