Daines Statement Following Announcement that Canada Will Reopen the Northern Border for Fully Vaccinated Americans in August

U.S. CONGRESS — Following an announcement that Canada will reopen the northern border for fully vaccinated Americans on August 9th, U.S. Senator Steve Daines is urging President Biden respond by fully reopening the northern border.  

“It’s time to reopen the border between Montana and Canada, and it’s time to do it now, not weeks from now. Doing so is essential for Montana families, agriculture, jobs and tourism,” Daines said. “While I’m encouraged to see Canada finally make an official announcement about opening the border, it needs to be reopened fully and immediately, and I urge the Biden administration to respond and ensure this happens. President Biden allowing the northern border to remain closed while opening the southern border to illegal immigrants and drugs is beyond hypocritical and frustrating for Montanans.”

Daines has been actively pushing the Biden administration to open the northern border between Montana and Canada for over a year.

Background:  

On June 24, 2021, Daines introduced a bill with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) 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 McKeoghKatie Schoettler