Madame Speaker, last week I was fortunate to visit Mexico City as part of a bipartisan trip organized by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

Our trip provided an important opportunity to meet with prominent Mexican leaders in business, journalism, and government.

It also provided a forum to discuss ongoing political and economic changes in Mexico and ways in which we can improve the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico.

We additionally discussed civic and political life in both countries; and how we can work more closely with Mexican partner institutions to help bring about a more open, competitive, and equitable society.

Madam Speaker, our relationship with our friend and neighbor Mexico is critically important and cries out for more cooperation and engagement.

I want to thank the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars for facilitating this important dialogue.

I believe we were able to get a better picture of the state of democracy in Mexico, the shared goals and challenges that confront both our countries, and how we can be better neighbors to one another.

And I hope we continue this important conversation to build a better future for the U.S. and Mexico.

Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.