WASHINGTON — Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, lauded the passage of the Cross Border Trade Enhancement Act, S. 461.
This bill will enhance international trade efficiencies and international travel by allowing the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enter into public-private partnership agreements for reimbursable services or property donations at U.S. ports of entry. Through this bill, international airports, including those in Wisconsin, are eligible to apply to reimburse CBP for the salaries and expenses for CBP officers to process international arrivals. Private entities and state and municipal governments are also eligible through this bill to donate infrastructure or technological capabilities to improve the flow of commercial and passenger traffic at land, sea and air ports of entry. Johnson is a co-sponsor of S. 461.
“As Wisconsin continues to invite more international tourism and trade, this bill provides an opportunity for Wisconsin airports to compete with larger hubs as an international travel destination,” said Johnson. “I am proud to have helped this bill pass unanimously through the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. I want to commend Senator Cornyn for his leadership on this bill, and I appreciate his cooperation to include provisions that can benefit trade and tourism in Wisconsin.”
On Tuesday, the Senate passed the act, which is also sponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).
More information on S. 461 can be found here.
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