U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY) formally requested on Thursday at a Northern Border Caucus meeting with Canadian Ambassador David MacNaughton that Canadian officials increase border staffing to reduce delays.
Prior to the caucus meeting, Higgins and MacNaughton briefly discussed traffic issues and staffing-related problems at the Niagara River crossings.
Higgins previously sent a letter to members of the House Committee on Appropriations requesting increased U.S. staff levels, which were later implemented along the U.S. border with Canada. Staffing shortages with the Canada Border Services Agency, however, have contributed to lengthy delays for travelers crossing at various checkpoints.
“Full and adequate staffing on both sides of the border is essential to alleviating bottlenecks and encouraging a welcoming cross-border exchange that feeds our binational economies,” Higgins said.
Higgins followed up his meeting with MacNaughton by sending a letter that supported continued collaboration between the two nations consistent with the goals included in the Beyond the Border initiative.
Higgins is a representative of New York’s 4th Congressional District, which includes four international crossings between the U.S. and Canada. He is a supporter of the recent truck cargo pre-inspection pilot project and for increases to infrastructure spending, including the Peace Bridge Plaza Gateway project that is currently under construction.