[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PROVIDING FUNDING FOR BORDER CROSSINGS

  (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, there are 329 ports of entry across the 
United States, four of which are located in my district of western New 
York. These border crossings provide opportunity for trade and 
commerce, require sufficient levels of security, and provide enormous 
economic benefits to our Nation.
  Today, I asked the Subcommittee on Homeland Security of the Committee 
on Appropriations to include funding for the programs necessary to 
ensure the free flow of people and goods at the northern border.
  Specifically, funding is needed to sustain the recent increase in 
Customs and Border Protection officer staffing levels. This increase 
offers significant economic benefits by reducing wait times.
  Also, I asked for funding to support the Preinspection Pilot program, 
which will expedite the flow of traffic by moving primary cargo 
inspections to Canada at crossings in Buffalo, New York, and Blaine, 
Washington.
  Madam Speaker, I will continue to push for these and other measures 
to integrate the economies of our border communities with our Canadian 
neighbors. I urge the committee to support them as well.

                          ____________________