Senate passes bill on travel

The House bill, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Elise M. Stefanik, R-Willsboro, was also unanimously passed last week.

The United States has pre-clearance facilities at 15 airports in six countries, including Canada. These facilities allow travelers to pass through CBP inspections prior to traveling.

Under this agreement, the United States will create additional pre-clearance opportunities in Canada. For the first time in history, these opportunities will be applied to train stations. For travelers on Amtrak’s Adirondack line which runs from Montreal to stops in the north country and Albany, it can sometimes take more than an hour for border patrol officers to inspect and clear the train.

Additionally, the legislation ensures U.S. legal authority to hold U.S. officials accountable if they engage in wrongdoing while stationed in Canada.

U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., who has long been pushing for preclearance legislation, said he will strongly advocate for the bill when President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office next year, if it doesn’t get signed by President Barack Obama.

“This legislation holds tremendous potential, not just for the flexibility it can provide for New York and Canada, but, once implemented, it will also help improve the north country’s and Capital Region’s economy and tourism opportunities for local businesses for years to come,” Sen. Schumer said in a statement.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand, D-N.Y., agreed, saying that the bill will make travel more efficient while enhancing security for people and goods going back and forth across the border.

Ms. Stefanik said she hopes President Obama will sign the bill before he leaves office.