Salazar and Stanton Lead Bipartisan Resolution Denouncing Proposed Mexican Judicial Reforms

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) introduced a congressional resolution expressing deep concerns with proposed constitutional reforms in Mexico that would radically reform the nation’s judicial system.

“The reforms proposed by the current government threaten to take Mexico back to the days of one party rule,” said Rep. Salazar. “Mexico is an important ally and partner of the United States – we must remain committed to ensuring the independence of the Mexican judiciary from populist attacks.”

“As a border state, Arizona benefits in so many ways from our close relationship with Mexico. However, I’m deeply concerned that the proposed constitutional reforms will jeopardize this shared economic and security interest—particularly commitments made in the USMCA and efforts to counter cross-border crime,” said Rep. Stanton. “Our bipartisan resolution respectfully calls on our Mexican counterparts to weigh these concerns as they move forward.”

The reforms, spearheaded by outgoing Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, will force every judge, appeals court member, and justice in the Supreme Court to face constant elections. This new system could allow for cartels to have more influence over their decisions as well. The lower house of Mexico’s Congress approved the reforms on September 4, 2024, and the Senate voted in favor of the legislation yesterday.

These reforms would also make it more challenging for American companies to do business in Mexico. The resolution builds upon a bipartisan letter sent by Reps. Salazar and Stanton last week with 10 Members of Congress to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, outlining concerns that the proposed reforms would risk violating terms of the USMCA.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

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