Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene issued the following statement today regarding the House Appropriations Committee action to approve an amendment introduced by Congressman Bill Owens to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill. The amendment bars the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using any funding to study or implement border crossing fees for passenger vehicles and pedestrians at the northern or southern borders:

“I am pleased that the House Appropriations Committee unanimously approved an amendment to stop a proposed border crossing fee from moving forward. Border crossing fees would have an immediate and detrimental impact on the local economies of our border communities, including the communities in Whatcom County. At a time when we should be trying to create jobs and spur economic growth, we shouldn’t be pursuing policies that would stifle the commerce and trade our border communities depend on.

“I commend Congressman Owens for sponsoring this amendment and his commitment to ensuring that the economies of our nation’s border communities remain vibrant.

“While the inclusion of this provision in DHS’ appropriations bill is a positive development, Congress still must pass the bipartisan legislation I introduced earlier this year that would guarantee into law the prohibition of any economically damaging border crossing fees from being implemented.”