House Bill Blocks Border Fee Study

Press Release

The House Appropriations Committee approved a bill this week that included a provision barring the Department of Homeland Security from spending money on studying the merits of a border crossing fee. President Obama proposed the study in his fiscal year 2014 budget.

Congressman Welch wrote a letter to the Committee urging it to reject the President's idea. His letter stated, "the economic well being of Vermont is in part dependent on the ability of Canadians to quickly and safely cross our border... Simply put, a border fee would stifle cross border trade, business, and tourism." The letter continued, "the imposition of a border crossing fees will harm our relationship with Canada and the economy of the State of Vermont."

Welch worked with Congressman Bill Owens (D-NY), who serves on the Appropriations Committee. Owens successfully offered the amendment during the Committee's debate of the Homeland Security budget. Senator Patrick Leahy is pursuing a similar effort in the Senate.

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