Washington, D.C. - Today Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) submitted requests to both U.S. Customs and Immigration and Naturalization Services to increase staffing levels at the five Ports of Entry along the northern border in Larsen’s district.  

“Security comes in many forms,” Larsen explained.  “A commitment to strengthening our nation’s security needs to include a commitment to strengthening our economy.  Both require an increase in staffing levels along our northern border,” said Larsen.

He added, “We can’t afford lip service when it comes to a commitment to security.  Congress has delivered the funds.  Now agencies need to show they can deliver the manpower.”

Larsen, pointing to recent I&NS staffing increases in Michigan, wrote, “Given the need for enhanced security following September 11th, and the ensuing negative impact on trade and the local economy, I trust I&NS will allocate a similar level of staff, rather than the estimated twenty indicated thus far.”

Larsen reminded officials, “It is important to note that the Western Washington corridor Ports of Entry in my district rank fourth among all Canadian border crossings in commercial clearances and third in passenger traffic.”

Over 500,000 people and $1.3 billion of trade move between the U.S. and Canada daily.  There are currently 52 regular permanent I&NS inspectors stationed at the five Ports of Entry in Larsen’s district and 106 U.S. Customs personnel securing the border in Western Washington.  Many businesses in border communities have seen up to a sixty five percent drop in revenue since the September 11th attacks.

Larsen is an active member of the bipartisan Northern Border Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.