“Our proximity to Canada provides great economic opportunities … yet congestion and inefficiencies at our crossings are holding us back from reaching our full potential,” – New York Congressman Brian Higgins.
News from the Office of Western New York Area Congressman Brian Higgins
Posted March 3rd, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Congressman Brian Higgins (D-NY) announced this March 1st they are co-sponsoring the Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Peace Bridge connecting Niagara, Ontario and the Buffalo’Erie County region of New York State is a major Canada/U.S. border crossing and frequently experiences a backup of car and truck traffic.
The legislation expands preclearance facilities operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at land, rail, marine and air ports of departure in Canada which will increase trade, travel and commerce between the United States and Canada. The bill is needed to ratify the preclearance agreement signed between the United States and Canada on March 16, 2015.
Cramer and Higgins serve as co-chairmen of the bipartisan Northern Border Caucus, which is designed to foster continued growth and improved relations between the United States and Canada.
“Expanding preclearance capabilities will increase travel and trade between the United States and Canada, while simultaneously improving border security and protecting both nations from terrorists,” said Cramer. “Chairing the Northern Border Caucus in Congress has given me the unique perspective to see the incredible opportunities we have with Canada if we work together to synchronize our travel and trade regulations. North Dakota and the nation as a whole will benefit from increased cooperation between Canada and the United States.”
“Our proximity to Canada provides great economic opportunities for the U.S. and northern border communities in particular yet congestion and inefficiencies at our crossings are holding us back from reaching our full potential,” said Congressman Higgins. “This bill is an important first step in providing the legal authorities to create a more efficient border.”
Expanding preclearance operations is expected to be a discussion topic between President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during their upcoming meeting in Washington, D.C.
The preclearance agreement is part of the broader bilateral “Beyond The Border” effort, through which the United States and Canada agreed to work together within, at, and away from the borders of the two countries to enhance security and facilitate the legitimate cross-border flow of people, goods, and services.
The United States currently operates preclearance facilities at 15 airports in six countries, including Canada.
These facilities allow travelers to pass through CBP inspections prior to traveling, expediting their arrival in the United States, and protecting national security by identifying individuals who represent a threat to U.S. national security before they depart foreign soil.
Under the new agreement, the United States will expand its preclearance operations in Canada, which will include rail preclearance facilities for the first time.
Keep up with Congressman Higgins: Sign up for E-News: http://higgins.house.gov/
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Opposed to extraterritoriality for American personal in Canada
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