Issue Position: Homeland Security - Reverse Inspections

Issue Position

Issue Position: Homeland Security - Reverse Inspections

Reverse customs inspection at U.S.-Canadian border crossings would enable the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection to inspect vehicles for hazardous material before they cross bridges or tunnels into the United States.

As part of the fiscal year 2003 Omnibus Appropriations bill, Congress authorized a proposal authored by Senator Levin to create integrated border inspection areas between the United States and Canada. Shared border inspection or reverse customs inspection could be at the U.S. Canadian border crossings under Senator Levin's provision. Such inspections would enable the U.S. Customs Service to inspect vehicles for hazardous material before they cross bridges or tunnels into the United States.

Conducting inspections this way would both enhance security and alleviate traffic congestion at border crossings. With the increased security risk faced by our nation, inspecting vehicles for dangerous contents such as bombs and explosives after they enter our tunnels or cross our bridges is totally inadequate.

The Administration told Senator Levin that such a program would require entering into a treaty with Canada in order to secure the necessary legal authorities for U.S. officials operating in Canada. On December 16, 2004, then Secretary Ridge and his Canadian counterpart, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan, announced a plan to move forward with two land pre-clearance pilot projects, one at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, New York, and the second in a yet to be determined location. Apparently no pilot project can move forward until an agreement is reached with Canada regarding issues related to sovereignty, liability and authorities.

These issues must be dealt with urgently and at the highest levels so that a system of reverse customs inspection can be quickly implemented at our shared border in order to enhance security and relieve congestion.

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