Heinrich, Torres Small Introduce Legislation To Strengthen Investment Opportunities That Improve Ports Of Entry

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) have introduced legislation to reauthorize the Donations Acceptance Program (DAP). The program enables U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to explore, create and facilitate partnerships for improvements on port of entry infrastructures and technology, with the investment made by the local entities.

The goal of DAP is to work with communities along the border to help equip CBP's frontline officers and trade specialists with the tools and capabilities they need to operate more effectively. Accepted donations may be used in support of a wide array of CBP operations and may include: new lanes, inspection booths, inspection technologies, intellectual property rights enforcement tools, and more.

“I've been proud to work with business and community leaders to build public-private partnerships and secure millions of dollars in federal funds to facilitate lawful, international trade at New Mexico’s ports of entry. We must remain focused on building on our recent successes, like those at the Santa Teresa port of entry, and make sure New Mexico’s vibrant border communities and growing ports of entry have the resources they need to thrive,” said Heinrich. “That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Donations Acceptance Program and strengthen our ports of entry. I will keep fighting to secure forward-looking infrastructure investments in every corner of New Mexico.”

“Since its inception, the Donations Acceptance Program has facilitated beneficial public-private partnerships between border communities and the stakeholders invested in their success. This crucial program serves as an important avenue to make necessary improvements to infrastructure at our land ports of entry, like Santa Teresa, and maximize trade opportunities along the U.S.-Mexico border. I am proud to work alongside my colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure the continuation of this critical program,” said Torres Small.

Senator Heinrich and Rep. Torres Small introduced the bipartisan, bicameral legislation alongside U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) and U.S. Representatives Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), and Will Hurd (R-Texas).