Congressman Bill Owens is supporting an amendment introduced by Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont that would bar creation of a fee to cross the U.S.-Canadian border.

The amendment would change the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act to bar the addition of a border-crossing fee.

Owens had previously indicated opposition to a proposed border fee and views the amendment as a positive step for cross-border trade.

“Senator Leahy’s work to block proposed border fees is spot on and a reflection of the value northern border communities place on our relationship with Canada,” Owens said. “I will continue looking for opportunities to introduce similar legislative initiatives in the house and urge my colleagues in the senate to support Chairman Leahy’s amendment.”

The proposal to study a possible border fee was included in the Department of Homeland Security’s 2014 budget request.

According to the department’s budget submission, the study would assess “the feasibility and cost relating to establishing and collecting a land border crossing fee.”

The proposed fee would apply to both the northern and southwest borders of the United States.

Congressman Owens joined other members of the house in a letter to Secretary Janet Napolitano opposing the study and any new border fees.