Stauber Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Oversight of Northern Border Security
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) introduced the Northern Border Staffing and Security Enhancement Act, legislation aimed at bolstering security at the United States’ Northern Border.
Specifically, the Northern Border Staffing and Security Enhancement Act will require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit a comprehensive Northern Border Threat Analysis to Congress every 5 years. Further, this legislation requires DHS to address staffing challenges at northern ports of entry and the retirement crisis looming at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Of this legislation, Congressman Pete Stauber stated, “While apprehensions at our southern border have declined to historic lows, persistent challenges at our northern border have prevented similar success. Too often overlooked, the northern border is understaffed and underresourced, leaving Minnesota and our nation exposed to the risks associated with illegal immigration. This legislation ensures we are taking a data-driven approach to address these shortcomings and strengthen the security of our northern border.”
Congressman Langworthy stated, “I am honored to be the co-lead on this critical legislation to strengthen security along our Northern Border. With outdated threat assessments and a looming staffing crisis at our northern ports of entry, it is clear that urgent action is needed to protect our communities and our country. The Northern Border hasn’t seen a comprehensive threat analysis since 2017, and our strategy hasn’t been updated in over six years. Meanwhile, the CBP is already facing a shortage of nearly 6,000 officers—and is on track for a 400% retirement surge by 2028. This will leave our most vulnerable and geographically isolated border crossings dangerously understaffed and underprepared. I will continue fighting to ensure our region gets the resources, personnel, and strategic attention it deserves.”
House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik stated, “The southern border might receive more media attention, but our northern border is essential to Upstate New York and North Country residents from invasion. I am working with DHS to update the Northern Border Threat Analysis and prioritize the staffing challenges that have left our state vulnerable to illegal migration including terrorists, drug traffickers, and gang members.”
BACKGROUND:
Northern ports of entry face unique staffing challenges because they are located in isolated areas with harsh winters, scarce housing, and limited economic opportunity.
Last year, then Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy A. Miller testified before the House Committee on Appropriations that ports of entry face a 400% increase in retirements in 2028. All the while, terrorists attempt to cross the northern border more frequently than the southern border. If nothing is done, CBP will be devastatingly short of officers, and will be unable to perform its paramount mission.
Since 2017, DHS released one Congressionally mandated Threat Analysis and has not updated its Northern Border Strategy since 2018.