On the recordJanuary 8, 2015
There are 329 ports of entry across the United States, four of which are located in my district of western New York. These border crossings provide opportunity for trade and commerce, require sufficient levels of security, and provide enormous economic benefits to our Nation. Today, I asked the Subcommittee on Homeland Security of the Committee on Appropriations to include funding for the programs necessary to ensure the free flow of people and goods at the northern border. Specifically, funding is needed to sustain the recent increase in Customs and Border Protection officer staffing levels. This increase offers significant economic benefits by reducing wait times. Also, I asked for funding to support the Preinspection Pilot program, which will expedite the flow of traffic by moving primary cargo inspections to Canada at crossings in Buffalo, New York, and Blaine, Washington. Madam Speaker, I will continue to push for these and other measures to integrate the economies of our border communities with our Canadian neighbors. I urge the committee to support them as well. ____________________
