Congressman Brian Higgins

Representing the 26th District of NEW YORK
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Cross Border Commerce



The successful growth of Western New York’s economy heavily depends on our ability to maintain and grow our relationship with Southern Ontario. Each year, the Peace Bridge alone facilitates the transport of over $30 billion in commerce, spurring $227.4 billion in economic activity, and supporting one million jobs. Brian has been an advocate for creating reliable access at the border as a means to foster this economic relationship. As a result of Brian’s advocacy to the Department of Homeland Security, the Peace Bridge has been included in a pre-inspection pilot to inspect trucks coming into the United States with the goal of easing congestion and decreasing wait times at the border.  Additionally, Brian successfully urged U.S. Customs & Border Protection to increase staffing at the Peace Bridge and other local border crossings. 

 

 

 

More on Cross Border Commerce

Higgins Amendment Ensures Preclearance at the Northern Border Remains Unaffected

Jun 11, 2014 Press Release

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) successfully passed an amendment to H.R. 3488, a bill that sets forth conditions for the Department of Homeland Security to establish preclearance facilities and operations outside of the country. Higgins’ amendment clarified that the new provisions would apply only at airports and not land ports of entry, such as the Peace Bridge.

Higgins Announces Additional Customs and Border Patrol Officers to be Assigned to Western New York

Mar 31, 2014 Press Release

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced that the northern border between Western New York and Southern Ontario will soon see U.S. Homeland Security staffing increases.  U.S. Customs & Border Patrol (CBP) responsible for securing the ports of entry have announced plans to significantly increase personnel at the Port of Buffalo, which includes border crossings in the City of Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Lewiston. 

Higgins Applauds Approval of Phase II of Peace Bridge Widening Project

Feb 28, 2014 Press Release
Today the Peace Bridge Authority (PBA) approved a contract to begin Phase II of a project to widen the approach to the Peace Bridge plaza in Buffalo, NY.

Canada and the United States announce Phase II of Truck Cargo Pre-inspection Pilot

Feb 24, 2014 Press Release
Today, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Steven Blaney; Canada’s Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Robert Nicholson; U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas; U.S. Senator for New York, Charles E. Schumer; and U.S. Congressman for Western New York, Brian Higgins, officially launched Phase II of the truck cargo pre-inspection pilot at the Peace Bridge crossing between Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York.

Higgins to Introduce Legislation to Encourage US Homeownership by Canadians

Jan 23, 2014 Press Release
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) has prepared legislation that will ease the ability for Canadians to own a home and live in the United States while working in Canada. The bill is aimed at providing new economic opportunities for the Buffalo Niagara region while giving Canadians affordable living options just over the border.

Statement from Congressman Higgins on Start of Peace Bridge Pre-Inspection Pilot

Jan 21, 2014 Press Release
“Today marks the start of the long-awaited pre-inspection pilot project at the Peace Bridge. This is a critical step toward improving the flow of people and goods across the northern border and revolutionizing Western New York’s economic future.

Higgins Announces $165.7 Million in Federal Budget Bill for Border Agents

Jan 14, 2014 Press Release
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the federal budget bill, released late last night, includes an increase of $220.4 million in funding for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Higgins Encouraged by Beyond the Border Progress Report

Jan 9, 2014 Press Release
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), a member of the House Committees on Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs, is encouraged by progress made through the historic “Beyond the Border” agreement between the United States and Canada and is pushing for a continued commitment to improving the flow of goods and people across the border as a means to foster economic growth.

Higgins Announces Completion of Phase I Pre-Inspection Pilot Project at U.S. / Canada Border

Jan 6, 2014 Press Release
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced completion of the first phase of a pilot project to streamline traffic and the flow of goods across the border between the United States and Canada. Phase II will begin soon at the Peace Bridge.

Higgins, Collins Call on Customs & Border Protection to Alleviate Peace Bridge Staffing Shortages

Dec 20, 2013 Press Release
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) and Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) wrote to Acting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Thomas Winkowski to inquire about staffing deficits at the Peace Bridge that cause delays and unreasonably long wait times.