Peace Garden News

The United States and Canada share the world's longest international border, stretching 5,525 miles. This extensive boundary supports nearly $1 trillion in bilateral trade, necessitating secure and efficient operations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for updating the Northern Border Threat Analysis every three years and the Northern Border Strategy every five years to maintain security.

The last Northern Border Threat Analysis was completed in 2017 and has not been updated since then.

In response, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), along with Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), introduced the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act. This legislation aims to strengthen DHS efforts by mandating an updated Northern Border Threat Analysis every three years and an updated Northern Border Strategy every five years. It also requires an assessment of changes in apprehensions at the northern border, including sector-level reviews.

Furthermore, the bill instructs DHS to implement a recommendation from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Within 180 days, DHS must develop performance measures to evaluate U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations' effectiveness in securing the northern border.

Senator Cramer stated, "With the United States and Canada sharing the world’s longest border, our economic and national security interests are intertwined," emphasizing that threats are not limited to the southern border.

Senator Hassan added, "Strengthening security of our Northern border is vital to keeping both New Hampshire and our country safe," highlighting the need for regular assessments to prevent criminal activity.

Senator Collins noted that "Customs and Border Protection agents have struggled to address a dramatic increase in unauthorized crossings," advocating for more data and strategic direction through this bipartisan measure.

Senator Gillibrand remarked on the unique challenges of enforcing security along remote areas of the U.S.-Canada border, stating that improved data collection would enhance coordination and resource allocation.

For more details on the bill text, click here.