On the Issues
|
REVERSE INSPECTIONS Reverse customs inspection at U.S.-Canadian border crossings would enable the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection to inspect vehicles for hazardous material before they cross bridges or tunnels into the United States. As part of the fiscal year 2003 Omnibus Appropriations bill, Congress authorized a proposal authored by Senator Levin to create integrated border inspection areas between the United States and Canada. Shared border inspection or reverse customs inspection could be at the U.S. Canadian border crossings under Senator Levin’s provision. Such inspections would enable the U.S. Customs Service to inspect vehicles for hazardous material before they cross bridges or tunnels into the United States. Conducting inspections this way would both enhance security and alleviate traffic congestion at border crossings. With the increased security risk faced by our nation, inspecting vehicles for dangerous contents such as bombs and explosives after they enter our tunnels or cross our bridges is totally inadequate. The Administration told Senator Levin that such a program would require entering into a treaty with Canada in order to secure the necessary legal authorities for U.S. officials operating in Canada. On December 16, 2004, then Secretary Ridge and his Canadian counterpart, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan, announced a plan to move forward with two land pre-clearance pilot projects, one at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, New York, and the second in a yet to be determined location. Apparently no pilot project can move forward until an agreement is reached with Canada regarding issues related to sovereignty, liability and authorities. These issues must be dealt with urgently and at the highest levels so that a system of reverse customs inspection can be quickly implemented at our shared border in order to enhance security and relieve congestion. |
Airline Security
Our airline passengers and crews deserve the safest aviation system in the world. Since the horrific attacks of September 11th, Congress has taken a number of steps to improve the safety of the flying public. more >
First Responders
Senator Levin is fighting for federal dollars for Michigan’s hard working first responders, such as firefighters, police and health care workers. more >
Homeland Security and the Department of Defense
The Department of Defense provides support to the federal, state and local authorities that have the primary responsibility for homeland security. more >
Intelligence Accountability
To ensure accountability in the intelligence community, Senator Levin has continued to press the Bush administration to clarify which intelligence entity is responsible for specific intelligence objectives. more >
Money Laundering
Money laundering helps terrorists, drug traffickers, and other criminals to disguise dirty money, move funds and carry out criminal acts. Senator Levin has been a leader in the Senate efforts to strengthen anti-money laundering laws and procedures to prevent terrorists and other criminals from using our financial systems against us. more >
Northern Border
The Northern Border has been long neglected compared to our Southern Border. Senator Levin has successfully pressed for significant increases in federal staffing on our Northern Border and in Southeast Michigan in particular. more >
Publics Right to Know
Senator Levin introduced a bill, S. 609, the Restore FOIA Act, to fix some of the problems created by the Homeland Security Act with regard to the Freedom of Information Act. more >
Reverse Inspections
Reverse customs inspection at U.S.-Canadian border crossings would enable the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection to inspect vehicles for hazardous material before they cross bridges or tunnels into the United States. more >
LEGISLATION
COMMITTEES
TASK FORCES
