“The testimonies by the representatives of the busiest chambers of commerce in the U.S. and Canada gave me reason to believe that the implementation of this proposal, in its current form, may have a negative economic impact on both countries,” Stupak said. “Don’t get me wrong, I am willing to support a well thought-out plan to improve border security that will minimize the unintended consequences to cross-border trade and travel.”

The Detroit Regional Chamber, Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Ontario Chamber of Commerce, representing the busiest northern crossings in the U.S. and Canada, presented their concerns to Members of the Northern Border Caucus and also answered questions.

The main concern of the chambers was that current plans to implement the WHTI would restrict the efficient movement of people and goods across the border resulting in a negative economic impact. The chambers also urged support of an alternative document that travelers may already have in their possession to satisfy the WHTI. The chambers expressed their desire to have the timeline for the implementation of the WHTI extended in order to explore and enact alternative measures that would meet their goals and WHTI requirements.

“Each day Canada and the U.S. do roughly $1.4 billion in trade and have 300,000 trips across the border. This makes up the world’s largest bilateral trading partnership,” Stupak said. “With three major border crossings, Michiganders are well aware that homeland security needs along the northern border have drastically changed since September 11, 2001. We need additional input from all partners affected by this policy to ensure a safe and smoothly functioning border, mindful of both the homeland security needs and cross-border trade.”

By January 1, 2008, the WHTI will require all U.S. and Canadian citizens to have a passport or other accepted secure document to enter or re-enter the U.S. by land border. Stupak said that all parties agree that security is, and always must be, the nation’s highest priority but they also believe that local input through the public comment period is critical in ensuring an effective security solution.

Stupak will be submitting comments during the public comment period. Citizens interested in submitting comments on the WHTI should do so by October 31^st by writing Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528.

###