U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines released the following statement after President Biden once again extended the closure of the northern border until at least September 21st. This extension comes despite Canada reopening the border for fully vaccinated Americans on August 9th.
“President Biden has once again let down Montana families and businesses. His refusal to open the northern border is hurting our economy, jobs and border communities. At the same time Biden is keeping the northern border closed, the southern border has remained wide open to illegal drugs and illegal immigrants, many potentially with COVID-19—it makes no sense,” Daines said. “This hypocrisy has gone on for far too long at the expense of Montanans. Since President Biden won’t do what’s right for Montana, it’s time Congress pass my bill to reopen the northern border immediately.”
Daines has been actively pushing the Biden administration to open the northern border between Montana and Canada for over a year, including introducing a bill to require the Biden administration to open it.
Background:
On August 9, 2021, Daines slammed President Biden for using COVID-19 as a ploy to keep the northern border closed to Montana families and businesses, while keeping the southern border wide open to illegal drugs and illegal immigrants, many of them potentially COVID-19 positive.
On June 24, 2021, Daines introduced a bill with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik 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 McKeogh, Katie Schoettler