article_snippet: McAllen, Texas (CNN)For residents of The border town just across the bridge from Mexico, it's hard to understand how a Washington political fight could end up threatening the livelihood of people charged with securing the border.
article_snippet: McAllen Mayor Jim Darling agreed and said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling believes cartels and gangs are more tuned in about what's going on in Washington than McAllen Mayor Jim Darling own constituents.
article_snippet: I would think there's Gulf Cartel guys listening to Washington right now," McAllen Mayor Jim Darling said.
article_snippet: McAllen Mayor Jim Darling says that Washington's actions have a "ripple effect" across the country, of which they should be more aware and considerate.
highlights_snippet: The political battle in Washington has real economic implications for McAllen, Texas .
  