[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E781]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING THE NORTHERN BORDER COORDINATOR IN THE 
                    DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 27, 2005

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce legislation 
that would establish the position of Northern Border Coordinator in the 
Department of Homeland Security.
  The northern border spans twelve states and over 3,000 miles. My 
congressional district, which includes Niagara Falls and Buffalo, 
serves as an annual gateway for 14.5 million individuals who enter the 
United States across the Niagara River bi-national bridges. The Peace 
Bridge, connecting Buffalo to Fort Erie, is the country's busiest 
border crossing, with over 1.3 million trucks and 20 billion dollars of 
commerce passing over it each year. More broadly, Canada is our 
nation's single largest trading partner, with total trade activity 
exceeding $400 billion.
  Mr. Speaker, in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, there is 
a new awareness that the northern border can also serve as an opening 
for terrorists, weapons of mass destruction, and other hazardous 
materials. Even today, there are many areas along the northern border 
that lack sufficient personnel and resources to provide border 
security. Our nation must act to thwart terrorists who attempt to abuse 
the open relationship between our two countries. It is important that 
enhanced border security along the U.S.-Canadian border be overseen in 
a coordinated manner among federal, state and local law enforcement and 
first responders.
  For this reason, I have introduced legislation that would establish 
the position of Northern Border Coordinator at the Department of 
Homeland Security. The Northern Border Coordinator would be responsible 
for increasing the security of the border between the U.S. and Canada; 
improving the coordination among the agencies responsible for homeland 
security; serving as the primary liaison with the state and local 
governments and law enforcement agencies in matters regarding border 
security; and serving as a liaison with the Canadian government.
  It is critical that we devote the personnel and technology necessary 
to ensure our security while maintaining strong channels for trade. A 
position within the Department of Homeland Security dedicated towards 
these goals is a step in the right direction.

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