Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today met with Northern border stakeholders at Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute, where she discussed cross-border commerce and its contribution to the First District’s economy.

“The commerce and tourism that comes with sharing a border is a critical factor in maintaining a vibrant economy,” DelBene said. “We must ensure there aren’t economic barriers to the flow of visitors and commerce along our Northern border.”

DelBene said when she returns to Washington, D.C., she plans to reintroduce the Promoting Border Commerce and Travel Act to prevent the creation of a land border crossing fee.

“Border crossing fees would have an immediate and detrimental effect on the local economies of our border communities, including Whatcom County,” DelBene said. “The Promoting Border Commerce and Travel Act would stop any fee before it could be implemented.”

Washington’s First Congressional District borders Canada and has five points of entry.

“Canadians represent the largest segment of not only Whatcom County’s international travel market; they also rank first in all of Washington State,” said Loni Rahm, President & CEO of the Bellingham-Whatcom County Tourism Bureau. “We cannot afford to penalize cross-border travelers for their desire to visit or engage in commerce.”

The Congresswoman originally introduced the legislation in 2013 after the President’s budget request included language authorizing a study on the feasibility of charging travelers for entering the United States at land crossings.

On Thursday, DelBene also heard about the need for Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform – something she’s called on House Republicans to do since introducing H.R. 15 last Congress.

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