Patrick Leahy: “this joint resolution reflects the best traditions of international cooperation between our nation and our Canadian…”

“this joint resolution reflects the best traditions of international cooperation between our nation and our Canadian neighbors to the north. Formally, this joint resolution would grant the consent of Congress to the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding, which allows emergency responders from the United States and Canada to help each other across our shared border during natural disasters and other serious emergencies. But beyond this legal formality, this agreement reflects our longstanding cooperative partnership with Canada, and how, in times of emergency or natural disaster, we respond together, as neighbors across a largely unguarded border. When our communities need help, we must join together and come to their aid, whether or not a border is drawn between us. This agreement allows us to honor the extraordinary tradition of international cooperation and good will between our nations, and will make the citizens of both the United States and Canada more secure and safer. We must all do our best to prepare for the most serious emergencies that can harm our communities.”