McMorris Rodgers maintains pressure on Customs and Border Protection

U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) continued to pressure U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) about its decision to decrease operation hours at the Danville and Metaline Falls ports of entry in her home state.

CBP in July finalized the new 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. hours that took effect on Oct. 1, reducing year-round operating hours from the previous 8 a.m. to midnight schedules at both the Port of Danville and the Port of Metaline Falls in Washington State that connect with Grand Forks, British Columbia.

“I’m very concerned about the reduction in hours at the Danville and Metaline Falls ports of entry because of the detrimental effect it will have on the economy of northeast Washington,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers on Sept. 29, referring to the area’s reliance on Canadian tourism. “It is unacceptable that CBP has not provided data and analysis that supports the reduction of hours.”

The congresswoman urged CBP to delay its decision and hold public town hall meetings in Republic and Metaline Falls, Wash.

“At the very least, new entry hours should be delayed at least a year until CBP can adequately justify these decisions and sufficiently speak to those in the affected communities,” she said.

The two border crossings are particularly important for residents living in nearby rural communities,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.

“Many in these areas cross the border to work, go to church, shop, or access medical services or recreational opportunities on a regular basis,” she explained, adding that the ports also provide necessary economic support.

This recent statement by Rep. McMorris Rodgers is part of her concerted effort to maintain longer operating hours at the ports.

In June, for instance, she requested CBP provide more information about its reasoning for the reduced hours.

“Many of my constituents own and operate small businesses just over the border” in Ferry County and Danville, “which are frequented by tourists from Canada,” McMorris Rodgers wrote in the June 29 letter to CBP. “Local businesses, whether it be a coffee roasting company, a diner, or a brewery, will suffer greatly because of the proposed reduction in hours.”

Such decreased operating hours at the ports, she wrote, “would severely restrict economic activity, costing these small businesses crucial revenue from tourism.”