Kilmer Pushes for Northern Border to Re-Open
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) released the following statement after the United States announced it will extend the Canada-U.S. border closure through August 21.
“Having grown up in Port Angeles, I know how important tourism is to our region’s economy. I was heartened when Canada announced it would ease border restrictions on August 9 for people who are fully vaccinated, but it’s disappointing that our country hasn’t followed suit. I’m concerned this will continue to burden folks who have already been through a lot this year. I’ll keep pushing for the Biden Administration to get our border re-opened so we can help our small businesses and the workers that depend on them.”
In February, Rep. Kilmer joined Representative Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and other members of the Washington congressional delegation in urging President Biden to work with the Canadian government to create a plan, guided by public health data and science, to safely reopen the Canada-U.S. border. “Minimizing the risk presented by COVID-19 and prioritizing the safety of our communities remains of utmost importance while the U.S. and Canada work to overcome this public health crisis. However, as we approach one year of restricted travel, individuals, families, businesses, and communities on both sides of the border have been significantly impacted by these restrictions,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter.