WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) and 13 of her colleagues sent a letter to President Biden, urging that he not extend current travel restrictions along the northern border. This follows a series of legislation and earlier letters addressing the border closure, which currently expires on July 21st.
“Given the progress in vaccination rates and continually low infection rates in the U.S.,” the letter reads, “we urge you not to extend the current restrictions. If a phased reopening of the border to non-essential travel cannot be established, we urge you to allow the restrictions to expire in order to restore travel between one of our closest trading partners.”
“Your Administration took an important first step in this regard when you issued guidance recommending the lifting of various social restrictions for those who are vaccinated,” the letter continues. “However, travel restrictions, including those related to crossing our northern border remain as a last vestige of the sacrifices Americans have made to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. These restrictions not only affect Americans ability to travel but impede their ability to economically sustain themselves as well.”
The letter was signed by Reps. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Tim Walberg (MI-07), Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL), Lisa McClain (MI-10), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Dusty Johnson (SD-AL), Bill Huizenga (MI-02), John Katko (NY-24), Robert E. Latta (OH-05), and Chris Jacobs (NY-27).
Earlier this year, Congresswoman Fischbach introduced legislation to create a corridor to facilitate cross-border travel for individuals with negative COVID-19 tests. The bill would also require the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security to begin negotiations with the Canadian government for a border reopening.
Additionally, in a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Congresswoman Fischbach led a group of Minnesota congressional leaders urging a swift, mutually agreeable resolution to the border closure.
Michelle Fischbach is a wife, mom, grandma, attorney, and the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District. Get updates from Rep. Fischbach’s congressional office on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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