Sen. Tester expresses support for opening northern border ports

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) has forwarded correspondence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Chris Magnus, advocating pre-pandemic operations resume at Montana ports of entry.

“We have made significant headway in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, yet most ports of entry in Montana continue to operate at reduced hours,” Tester wrote. “Expanding the hours of operation for ports of entry across the northern border to pre-pandemic hours, including implementing extended summer hours and returning to 24-hour operations at certain ports, is critical for the economies of rural communities across northern Montana. These communities depend on trade and commerce with our Canadian neighbors.”

Tester is also encouraging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to allow all truck drivers and other essential travel across the northern border.

“I urge you to reopen the ports of entry in Montana to pre-pandemic hours and stand ready to assist your efforts to strengthen security and trade across the northern border,” Tester said.

Tester cited Canadian Trade Commissioner data maintaining Canada is Montana’s top international trading partner, purchasing more from the state than the next six states combined.

Additionally, the U.S. Trade Representative estimates Montana exported $692 million in goods to Canada four years ago, representing 42 percent of the state’s total goods exports.