Pingree, Golden Call on DHS to Safely Re-Open the U.S.-Canadian Border
With vaccinations proving effective on both sides of the border, members urge opening border to help struggling border businesses, allow families to reunite, and promote tourism
Today, Reps. Chellie Pingree (ME-01) and Jared Golden (ME-02) joined a group of members of Congress from New England border states urging Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to safely reopen the U.S.-Canadian border.
“Since the land border between the United States and Canada was closed on March 21, 2020, families have been divided, tourists unable to explore both nations, and business has been encumbered,” the Members wrote.“Easing travel restrictions will allow families and friends to reunite after more than a year of separation, facilitate tourism along the northern border, and relieve burdens on cross-border businesses.”
“Canadian tourists spend $19 billion on average in the United States, including $500 million across northern New England,” the Members continued. “Allowing vaccinated tourists to travel between our two countries will spur job creation on either side of the border and keep our economies on the path to recovery. You should also seriously explore if it is now safe for vaccinated tourists to travel between the United States and Canada.”
Earlier this year, Pingree and Golden pressed President Biden and his administration to prioritize working with the Canadian government to increase the number of essential traveler exceptions to current border restrictions and establish a plan for opening the border for essential travel.
