09.27.22

Hoeven: It's Time for Biden Administration to End COVID-19 Restrictions Along U.S. Northern Border

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after Canada announced that all COVID-19 testing, quarantine and vaccination restrictions along the northern border would end as of October 1. 

“As Canada has ended their COVID-19 restrictions along the U.S. border, it’s now time for the Biden administration to follow suit. North Dakota and other northern border states rely greatly on trade and travel with our northern neighbors for economic opportunity, and Canadians should not be denied entrance into the U.S. solely due to their vaccination status. At the same time, we will continue pressing CBP to resume pre-pandemic hours at North Dakota’s ports of entry.” 

Hoeven has repeatedly urged the Biden administration to reopen the U.S. border with Canada for trade and travel. Hoeven’s efforts include: 

  • Repeatedly pressing for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials to resume normal operating hours at the northern border’s ports of entry, including:
    • In multiple calls with Pete Flores, Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Field Operations.
    • In a letter with Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) to the leaders of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Committee.
    • Along with the North Dakota delegation, in a letter to CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus.
  • Helping introduce legislation to exempt non-U.S. citizen commercial truck drivers from proof of vaccination requirements when temporarily entering the United States through a land port of entry.
  • Urging President Joe Biden to reopen the U.S. border with Canada for trade and non-essential travel.

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