WASHINGTON — Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, had this to say following the passage of the preclearance bill last week. This bill allows travelers to pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspections prior to traveling, expediting their arrival in the United States and protecting national security by identifying individuals who represent a threat to U.S. national security before they depart from foreign soil.
“I have been a strong advocate of enhancing preclearance operations, which extends the United States’ virtual border to the last point of departure. In February, we passed legislation through our committee to authorize the Department of Homeland Security to expand preclearance operations. With this bill, we further enhance preclearance efforts to other modes of transportation. This legislation will make our borders more secure without impeding legitimate travel. This is an important step Congress has taken to enhance our national security.”
Background on Preclearance:
The United States currently operates preclearance facilities at 15 airports in six countries, including Canada. These facilities allow travelers to pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspections prior to traveling, expediting their arrival in the United States and protecting national security by identifying individuals who represent a threat to U.S. national security before they depart from foreign soil. Under a new agreement between Canada and the U.S., the United States will expand its preclearance operations in Canada and will include rail preclearance facilities for the first time. The bill, proposed by Johnson and Sen. Patrick Leahy, is a necessary prerequisite to full implementation of this agreement, and therefore to the benefits of expanded preclearance operations in Canada.
The text of the preclearance bill can be found here.
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