Tuesday, October 24, 2006
CONTACT: Barry E. Piatt
or Brenden Timpe
PHONE: 202-224-2551
DORGAN SAYS ADMINISTRATION’S REVERSAL ON HANNAH PORT ABANDONS COMMON SENSE
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) --- U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) said Tuesday that U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has reversed course a second time and has now decided to reduce hours at the port of entry at Hannah, North Dakota. Dorgan said he thinks the decision is a mistake.
“Several weeks ago, Customs officials told me that the Hannah port of entry hours would remain 9 AM to 9 PM. Now the Washington, D.C. Customs office has reversed that decision and will close the post at 5 PM,” Dorgan said.
The hours will be reduced to 9 AM to 5 PM beginning October 29. Canadian border officials will retain the current hours of 9 AM to 9 PM.
“This decision to reverse course again stands logic on its head. Why would you have different hours at the Canadian and U.S. ports of entry?” Dorgan said.
“I think it’s a decision without common sense. This will put travelers and the communities in the region at an unfair disadvantage, and I will keep pushing Customs and Border Patrol to reconsider again,” he said.
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