Measure seeks to end northern border mandates

U.S. Rep. Chris Jacobs (R-NY) has introduced the Northern Border Reopening Act, which urges the Biden administration to end COVID-19 mandates for Canadians crossing the U.S. northern border.

“Vaccine mandates being imposed upon our truckers, workers in other essential industries, families, and individuals traveling for simple leisure or recreation violate the freedom every person has to make personal medical decisions without fear of retaliation,” Jacobs said. “Americans and Canadians alike are fed up with the oppressive and unconstitutional overreach being forced on them that threatens our economic stability and personal liberties.”

Jacobs previously sent correspondence to President Joe Biden, expressing his concerns about imposing vaccine mandates on truckers and other essential personnel.

“Burdening Canadians with additional restrictions to cross the Northern Border harms our Upstate New York and North Country communities, families, and small businesses,” said U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), an original co-sponsor of the legislation. “I have been calling on both Canada and the United States to resume pre-pandemic travel at the Northern Border, and this is a chance for the United States to set an example for returning to normalcy. I am proud to join this effort to take a step forward in restoring our Northern Border travel.”

Jacobs said he has joined colleagues in calling for an end to vaccine mandates at the northern border and on critical industries throughout the nation.

“These mandates infringe on our basic liberties, harm our economy, and have kept families unjustifiably separated for far too long,” he said. “As we near a new tourism season here in New York, it is imperative these mandates are dropped to allow for our small businesses to recover and families to fully reunite. I am proud to lead this effort, and I will continue to work to end all mandates.”