Despite Dramatic Uptick In Unauthorized Crossings, Northern Border Security Strategy Has Not Been Assessed Since 2018
U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Susan Collins (R-ME) reintroduced the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen security at the northern border by requiring the Department of Homeland Security to regularly complete a new Northern Border Threat Analysis and update its Northern Border Strategy. Even though criminal activity continues to evolve along the northern border, there has not been a Northern Border Threat Analysis conducted since 2017, and the Northern Border Strategy has not been updated since 2018. This legislation is part of Senator Gillibrand’s ongoing efforts to strengthen border security.
“Customs and Border Protection agents have struggled to address a dramatic increase in the number of unauthorized crossings at our northern border,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This bill is a commonsense, bipartisan measure to give federal law enforcement and congressional leaders more data and strategic direction to address the situation, which will help protect our national security. I am proud to cosponsor this bill, and I look forward to working across the aisle to get it passed.”
“Strengthening security of our Northern border is vital to keeping both New Hampshire and our country safe,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation will require regular assessments of our Northern border security to prevent criminal activity. I will continue to work closely with law enforcement officials at our Northern border to provide them with the tools and resources that they need to combat these evolving threats and keep our communities safe.”
“With the United States and Canada sharing the world’s longest border, our economic and national security interests are intertwined,” said Senator Cramer. “National security threats are not restricted to the southern border so a comprehensive approach is necessary. I joined Senator Hassan in introducing the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act to ensure the dependability and safety of our shared border for the families and communities who live on both sides of the border.”
“Our border security policies must address the unique challenges along the U.S.-Canada border, where vast, remote areas make enforcement difficult,” said Senator Collins. “By improving data collection and oversight of threats and enforcement efforts, this bipartisan bill would strengthen security, improve coordination, and help to ensure we have the resources needed to protect our northern border effectively.”
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