By Guy Page
Vermont’s congressional delegation has urged federal border officials to reverse the planned Jan. 6 cutback in operating hours at Vermont’s border crossings with Canada.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Peter Welch, and Rep. Becca Balint sent Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Troy Miller a letter dated Dec. 4 expressing concerns over the planned reduction of operating hours at Vermont’s Land Ports of Entry (LPOEs) along the U.S.-Canada border, as announced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). Here’s a summary of the cuts, announced Nov. 20, and the delegations’ objections as described in their letter:
- Reduction of LPOE Hours: Effective January 6, 2025, hours of operation at six Vermont LPOEs will be reduced, leaving only six with 24-hour service compared to pre-pandemic levels. This action counters a prior December 2022 request to increase hours at all Vermont LPOEs.
- Impact on Communities: Reduced hours harm local economies, public safety, and cross-border workers in towns like Alburgh, Canaan, Derby Line, North Troy, and West Berkshire. Opening LPOEs later (8:00 AM) hinders workers’ ability to cross the border in time for jobs.
- Contradiction in Rationale: CBP cites resource allocation as a reason for the reduction, yet CBP employees report reduced work hours, contradicting this justification.
- Infrastructure Investments: Significant federal funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was allocated to modernize Vermont’s LPOEs, including $200 million for five key projects. Reducing hours undermines these investments.
Requests to Miller:
- Immediate Action: Reverse the November 20 decision and restore pre-pandemic operating hours for Vermont’s LPOEs.
- Staff Briefing: By December 18, 2024, provide to the delegation a detailed explanation of the decision-making process and data behind the reduced hours.