Co-Chairman Cramer Holds Trade Infrastructure Discussion, Announces ND Border Staffing Details

Press Release

Today Congressman Kevin Cramer convened a meeting of the bipartisan Northern Border Caucus to discuss how reduced wait times at border crossings can facilitate new American jobs and promote economic growth. Cramer, who co-chairs the Caucus along with Congressman Bill Owens (D-NY), said the meeting provided insight into the economic cost of wait times at the border.

"Every minute of delay at our nation's busiest ports of entry amounts to $166 million in economic loss. Ensuring people and goods can move efficiently is paramount to keeping America competitive in the global marketplace," said Cramer.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today provided Congressman Cramer with more details on the announced hiring of additional CBP officers at the U.S.-Canadian border crossings in Pembina and Portal, North Dakota. Cramer said the CBP will hire 15 officers at the Pembina location, and five at Portal. The hiring begins immediately and will include extensive training, with all hires expected to be complete by the end of fiscal year 2015. The CBP said they plan to meet with local stakeholders at each port of entry receiving additional staff during the coming weeks to discuss the changes.

"Today's discussion underscored the importance of the additional staffing at these North Dakota crossings. In 2012 we saw over 850,000 personal vehicles, 400,000 trucks, and 1,600 buses cross our border with Canada. Better efficiency will benefit everyone and have a positive multiplier effect on people and businesses who rely on more frequent travel through these ports," Cramer added.

An expert panel at the discussion included Lisa Seghetti, Congressional Research Service, Jevon Jamieson, ABF Freight System, Inc., and Chris Wilson, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

The Northern Border Caucus brings together Republican and Democrat House Members from states along the Canadian border. Previous meetings have focused on streamlining trade security, the proposed border fee for land crossings including those shared with Canada, and energy development including the Keystone XL pipeline.

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