North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik introduced the BOUND (Border Officer Utilization for National Defense) Act, requiring minimum staffing levels for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stationed at ports of entry along the northern border.

Congressman Brian Higgins (D-NY-26) co-sponsored the legislation.

“Travel and trade between Canada and the North Country is a critical source of revenue that directly impacts our local economy, as well as the national economy,” said Stefanik. “Maintaining strong staffing levels at the Northern Border will ensure our tourism industry and economy are not stifled and that CPB officers are able to effectively carry out their duties. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to support our Northern Border personnel and keep our economy strong.”

CBP officers were recently pulled from the northern border and temporarily reassigned to the southern border during the busiest season for border crossings between the U.S. and Canada.

Crossings along the entire Northern Border jump from around 6 million in January and February to close to 11 million in July and August. Higgins and Stefanik have repeatedly objected to the diversion of Northern Border CBP officers, leading a bipartisan letter sent to the Homeland Security Secretary in May signed by several members who represent the northern border communities.

Currently 162 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are continuing to assist Border Patrol along the southern border. It is anticipated that 105 CBP officers will return to their home stations by September 15, 2019 and the remaining 57 will return by Sept. 22.