U.S. SENATE — Despite an announcement this week that Canada will reopen the northern border for fully vaccinated Americans on August 9th, the Biden administration today responded that they will keep the northern border closed until at least August 21st. U.S. Senator Steve Daines released the following statement.
“Yet again, the Biden administration is refusing to reopen the northern border for our economy and jobs, while leaving the southern border wide open to illegal drugs and immigrants. The hypocrisy is outrageous,” Daines said. “Montana families and our economy rely on the cross-border travel and many families are suffering from this decision to keep our northern border closed. The President needs to stop playing games and do what’s right for our country.”
Daines has been actively pushing the Biden administration to open the northern border between Montana and Canada for over a year, including introducing a bill to require the Biden administration to open it.
Background:
On June 24, 2021, Daines introduced a bill with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to require the Biden administration to open the northern border.
On March 10, 2021, Daines sent a letter to the Biden Administration, urging them to safely reopen the border in support of Montana’s economy.
On June 17, 2020, Daines sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Homeland Security urging them to safely reopen the border as soon as possible.
On April 3, 2020, Daines urged U.S. Customs and Border Protection to keep Montana’s ports of entry open to Montana agricultural and trade during the pandemic.
On March 20, 2020, Daines wrote President Trump about the importance of trade and travel over the Canadian border during the pandemic.
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Contact: Katherine McKeogh, Katie Schoettler