BEAUMONT, TX - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Greater Beaumont Chamber, recently convened a roundtable discussion with Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36) and local business leaders. Held at the Port of Beaumont, the conversation focused on the importance of a new federal surface transportation bill to support the Texas economy and local communities.
The event, part of the U.S. Chamber’s national infrastructure tour and the Keep America Moving initiative, continues to build momentum for renewing long-term federal funding for the nation’s roads, bridges, transit programs, and other freight and surface transportation infrastructure, which is scheduled to expire later this year.
"Southeast Texas helps power the American economy. From the Port of Beaumont to our small businesses, manufacturers, energy producers, and job creators, our region plays a critical role in keeping our nation competitive. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from local business leaders about the challenges and opportunities they face,” said Congressman Babin. “Congress must continue advancing policies that keep taxes low, streamline burdensome regulations, improve infrastructure, strengthen our supply chains, and ensure American businesses can compete and win. I will continue fighting for pro-growth solutions that create jobs, support our workforce, and keep our region thriving."
Representatives from the local business community emphasized a variety of infrastructure priorities including upgrading intersections, truck routes, and traffic controls and drainage and utility improvements that support public safety, commerce, and commuter safety.
“As the senior Texas member on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, it was extremely important to hear the diverse industry voices from infrastructure, hospitality, manufacturing, energy, LNG, and agriculture,” said Monique Thierry, Vice President for the Southwest/ South Central Region of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “From shipping LNG and fueling the aviation industry to moving American seafood, rice, and other products throughout the nation and around the world, the Southeast Texas working coast is an infrastructure, commerce, and energy hub. We appreciate the Congressman's leadership to advance sound infrastructure policy which is also sound national security policy.”
“We are proud to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to bring this important conversation to Beaumont,” said Amy Lovoi, President and CEO of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. “The provisions discussed with Congressman Babin regarding the surface transportation bill and the new small business tax legislation represent meaningful opportunities for our region’s industries, employers and working families. From reinvesting in critical infrastructure to supporting innovation and economic growth, these policies have a direct impact on Southeast Texas. The roundtable also provided an opportunity to highlight that impact locally from aviation, agriculture, ports, roads, energy, and manufacturing. We appreciate Congressman Babin’s leadership and his continued commitment to advancing policies that support growth, competitiveness, and opportunity.”
“Congressman Babin has been a consistent advocate for Texas ports and critical infrastructure. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, he plays a direct role in supporting our nation’s ports, strengthening energy security, and advancing national security efforts. We are incredibly proud to have him represent our region,” said Chris Fisher Beaumont Port Director.
“I believe that is critical to continue investing in educating students for skilled crafts careers, whether it is construction, welding, electrical, maritime, energy and more. If we want to support our current infrastructure and continue to attract new investment projects to our region, we need skilled craft to sustain our diverse Golden Triangle infrastructure system, and I am grateful to the Congressman and U.S. Chamber for their leadership,” said David Jones, CEO of Gopher Industrial.
Keep America Moving is a U.S. Chamber initiative that builds support for federal surface transportation reauthorization—set to expire on September 30, 2026—by convening events in congressional districts nationwide and engaging policymakers in Washington.
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