Bill would require a comprehensive U.S. Department of Homeland Security analysis on security threats and additional resources needed to protect the Northern Border
As the co-chair of the U.S.-Canada Interparliamentary Group, Klobuchar has worked to improve security and commerce at the Canadian border
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that bipartisan legislation she cosponsored to protect the Northern Border has passed the Senate. The Northern Border Security Review Act would require a comprehensive U.S. Department of Homeland Security analysis on security threats and additional resources needed to protect the Northern Border.
“No job is more important to me than keeping our state and our country safe. This legislation will help ensure that federal, state, and local officials have the information and resources they need to protect our border with Canada,” Klobuchar said.
To strengthen American security at the Northern Border, the Northern Border Security Review Act would require DHS to:
- Examine recruiting and retaining border security officials to cover the Northern Border, including at more remote areas of the border;
- Determine tools border security officials need to effectively combat drug and human trafficking at the Northern Border;
- Identify technology that could expand the reach of border agents; and
- Find vulnerabilities in cooperation between Canadian, state, county, local, and tribal law enforcement.
The Northern Border Security Review Act was introduced by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH). Representative John Katko (R-NY) has introduced companion legislation in the House.
As the co-chair of the U.S.-Canada Interparliamentary Group, Klobuchar has worked to improve security and commerce at the Canadian border. In 2014, she introduced the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) to strengthen border security and improve trade by authorizing the Secretary of Homeland Security to enter into agreements to secure more funding for Customs and Border Protection operations at land ports of entry. She also introduced legislation that would improve border security by requiring travelers to the U.S. to use biometric or e-passports, which are the most secure travel documents available. Additionally, Klobuchar has worked with Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) to improve baggage screening standards and remove unnecessary double screening of luggage. She also worked to expand preclearance locations at the northern border so that passengers and cargo undergo inspection before entering our borders.
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