U.S. and Mexican Representatives to Explore Common Issues Facing their Countries Feb. 25

Congressional representatives from both the United States and Mexico will discuss pressing issues facing their countries and the outlook for improving relations between the two nations in a special briefing Monday, Feb. 25.

The discussion, “The New Politics of Mexico and the United States: A Forecast for Improved Bilateral Relations,” is hosted by the Center for U.S. and Mexican Law at the University of Houston Law Center and the Latin America Initiative at Rice University’s Baker Institute.

In 2012, Mexican voters returned to power the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which had governed for 70 years in the 20th century. President Enrique Pena Nieto faces serious issues, including reducing violence, stimulating the economy and reforming the country’s political institutions. He needs the support of a Congress in which no party holds a majority. President Obama also faces a divided Congress and must find common ground to reform immigration policy, promote economic recovery and reduce gun violence. Cross-border issues are equally as difficult.

This discussion offers a unique opportunity to hear from those who are directly involved in dealing with these thorny issues of the day, especially those involving relations between the two neighboring countries.

Speakers include:
    •    Agustín Barrios Gómez, member of Mexico’s Cámara de Diputados (House of Representatives), and a member of the Foreign Relations Committee
    •    U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, member of the House Appropriations Committee, Homeland Security Subcommittee, and State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Subcommittee
    •    Luis Rubio, Ph.D., founding chairman of the Center for Development Studies (CIDAC) in Mexico City, author and political analyst

The discussion is underwritten by the law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

Who: Experts on U.S. and Mexican relations
What: “The New Politics of Mexico and the United States: A Forecast for Improved Bilateral Relations”
When: Monday, Feb. 25, 8:30 – 10 a.m.
Where: Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., Fulbright Tower,1301 McKinney, Suite 5100 (View parking information)

For more information: Contact Carrie Anna Criado, 713‐743‐2184, cacriado@central.uh.edu; or John T. Kling, 713‐743‐8298, jtkling@central.uh.edu.