New York’s northern border was the theme of a recent roundtable discussion hosted by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) at the North Country Chamber of Commerce in Plattsburgh, New York.
Stefanik met with local leaders to discuss a range of issues of high importance, including commerce, tourism and funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
“In the North Country, we know that Canada is more than just a bordering nation; they are our neighbors and our friends,” Stefanik said. “(This) roundtable was a critical opportunity to speak with community leaders on issues ranging from commerce to tourism to my leadership on the landmark pre-clearance legislation that would facilitate travel and tourism between the U.S. and Canada, as well as strengthen our national security. Thank you to Garry Douglas and the North Country Chamber, as well as everyone who attended.”
Stefanik, a member of the Northern Border Caucus, crossed party lines in 2015 to vote in favor of keeping the DHS funded.
“DHS funding is critical to our district because of the broad economic importance of our Canadian border, and the need to make sure that the thousands of North Country DHS employees are paid on time for their hard work,” Stefanik said at the time.
Garry Douglas, the president of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, said that nothing is more important to the North Country economy than its relationship with Canada and the fluidity of the northern border.
“That’s why we look to the North Country’s member of Congress to play a leadership role in Washington in all cross border matters, and we are pleased that Congresswoman Stefanik is doing just that, as Bill Owens and John McHugh did before her,” Douglas said. “Some very important advances in U.S.-Canadian relations are currently in play, including needed Congressional approval of the Pre-Clearance Agreement which will enhance legitimate cross border movement, and we are pleased the Congresswoman is providing this opportunity to update us and to continue to identify changing needs at the border.”