MISSOULA, Mont. — Montana’s Congressional delegation is pushing back against plans to cut hours at the Ports of Entry along the Montana-Canada border.
Customs and Border Patrol announced the plans this week. They go into effect on Monday at six ports. Officials say there is neither the passenger car or pedestrian traffic to warrant the current hours.
In his letter, Sen. Steve Daines wrote, “While reducing non-essential travel is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting public health, a reduction in hours at these critical ports would harm our farmers and ranchers and disrupt essential services and commerce for the Montana communities that rely upon these ports.”
Rep. Greg Gianforte also wrote a letter. In part, he said, “As our country continues to address the COVID-19 outbreak, it is vital that our farmers and essential agriculture inputs can move across the border without any additional, unnecessary obstacles.”
In a statement to NBC Montana, Sen. Jon Tester said, “As the Senate’s only working farmer, I know firsthand that cross-border trade is essential for Montana’s producers. Agriculture is the backbone of our state even in times of crisis, and it is critical that the Customs and Border Patrol work with Montana producers to keep everyone healthy and our food supply chains open.”
Customs and Border Protection has proposed reducing hours at 45 ports of entry in the U.S. for the duration of the crisis only.