PLATTSBURGH — The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Promoting Travel, Commerce and National Security Act of 2016 on Wednesday night.
The benefits to this region if it gains full approval include preclearance of U.S.-bound Amtrak passengers in Montreal.
That would eliminate lengthy delays that commonly occur at Rouses Point at present.
ON TO SENATE
The bipartisan bill, introduced by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Willsboro) and Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, a Democrat from New Hampshire, passed by voice vote with no opposition.
That paves the way for possible Senate passage by the end of this session, followed by potential approval by Parliament in Canada early next year.
"This preclearance legislation has been one of my top priorities in my first term," Stefanik said in a phone interview.
"We have worked incredibly closely with local stakeholders and community leaders on this issue."
SHARED SERVICES
The legislation is designed to strengthen the relationship between the two nations in regard to border security, national defense and the flow of commerce.
It would also clear the way for increased sharing of inspection facilities, which could help keep smaller border crossings open as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Canada Border Protection Services Agency look to reduce costs.
"That will make sure we're making good use of taxpayer dollars and not having duplicative efforts," Stefanik said.
The agreement could also allow Canadian border officials to operate on the Massena side of the Seaway Bridge crossing at Cornwall, Ontario, which would increase efficiency there.
'HISTORIC ACT'
Stefanik said the North Country Chamber of Commerce has advocated strongly for the measure.
Chamber President Garry Douglas said congressional approval of U.S.-Canada preclearance is the chamber's top priority for action before the end of the year.
"This agreement is an historic act of common sense and partnership between our two countries," he said in a statement.
"When fully approved by Congress and the Canadian Parliament, it will set the stage for many practical arrangements at our northern border, allowing each country's border agencies to undertake their functions on the other side when that is the best way to keep things moving."
FINISH LINE
The framework for the legislation was established by the Agreement on Land, Rail, Marine and Air Transport Preclearance between the U.S. and Canada, signed in 2015.
Stefanik hopes the Senate will approve companion legislation by the upcoming end of its legislative calendar.
If it doesn't, Stefanik said, one of her top priorities for the next session would be to reintroduce the measure within the first weeks.
Douglas said the chamber will fully support those efforts.
"We continue to work with Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, looking for final Senate action this month," Douglas said.
"And then we will join with our Canadian partners to seek parliamentary approval early in the new year."
Stefanik called the measure a significant victory for her district and said she will continue to support its adoption.
"I want to see this get over the finish line."
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