This evening, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) welcomed House passage of legislation that would streamline travel and commerce operations between the U.S. and Canada. Kuster and Stefanik introduced the Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act earlier this year, which would improve trade opportunities for businesses in northern border communities and help to strengthen national security. The legislation next needs to be passed in the Senate to be signed into law.

“I’m excited that the House has passed this important legislation which will encourage economic growth in New Hampshire and across the northern border states,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “We know that if our small businesses can reach new customers they can sell more goods, create more jobs, and grow our economy. By streamlining the travel process between the United States and Canada we’ll not only help businesses, we’ll encourage more tourism, all while improving our security. This legislation would be a big win for both the United States and our neighbor to the north. I’m hopeful that the Senate will act on this legislation and get it to the President’s desk for his signature.”

“This significant, bipartisan legislation is great news for U.S.-Canadian relations and I applaud my colleagues in the House for their work to pass this critical measure,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Increasing commerce with our Canadian neighbors is a top economic priority for my district, and this legislation will help build increased economic ties while supporting travel, commerce and tourism between our two nations as well. Furthermore, this legislation will help build integrated defense capabilities to maintain a secure Northern border. Importantly for the North Country, this legislation will facilitate Amtrak service from Montreal through our district, and will reinforce the future of small border crossings by allowing the option of joint operations on one side or the other. This is a landmark piece of legislation for U.S. and Canadian relations and I urge the Senate to pass this legislation and send it to the President.”

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), the chief sponsor of the counterpart Senate bill, said:  “I applaud the House’s action on this straightforward legislation.  There is still time for the Senate to act in the final days of the 114th Congress, to get this bill to the President’s desk and signed into law.  This bill is pro-commerce, pro-national security, and pro-consumer.  There is bipartisan support in the Senate, and the time to act is now.”

The Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act paves the way for expansion of preclearance facilities, operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, at land, rail, marine, and air ports of departure in Canada. 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 preventing those who should not be traveling to the United States from doing so before they arrive.