9.20.21 Advocacy Alert: Border Closure Extended Through October
Blog Categories
September 20, 2021
This morning, the U.S. federal government announced that it will be extending its closure to Canadian travelers through October 21.
Non-essential Canadian travelers have been banned from entering the U.S. since March 2020. Despite calls from the BNP, numerous members of Congress, and chambers across the nation to open the border, the Biden administration has not relented in its approach – even after Canada opened its doors to American travelers in August.
The decision is particularly confusing because the White House also announced this morning that it was relaxing restrictions on travelers from the European Union. EU citizens have also been banned from U.S. entry since March 2020. The White House COVID-19 coordinator said this morning that the U.S. will welcome European travelers who are vaccinated and present a negative test beginning in November.
The White House’s rationale for allowing an influx of European travelers while keeping out Canadian travelers is unclear. The continued closure extends the harm being done to our border community economy. The closure has cost our region’s bridges $50 million in revenue, and the cost to our region’s businesses is even greater.
The BNP maintains its position that public health and economic vitality are not mutually exclusive goals. Both Canada’s policy for American travelers and the new U.S. policy for EU travelers show that America can welcome foreign travelers without risking an uptick in COVID transmission. The U.S. should extend this courtesy to our northern neighbors immediately.
Related Posts
Senate to Consider Innovation & Competition Act
The U.S. Senate has begun formal consideration of the U.S. Innovation & Competition Act (S. 1260), previously known as the Endless Frontier Act. This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, recently passed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and a floor vote is expected by the end of May.
5.17.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Cuomo Lifts Mask Mandate for Vaccinated New Yorkers
Starting this Wednesday, May 19, 2021, fully vaccinated New Yorkers no longer need to wear a mask or face covering outdoors and in most indoor settings.
UU Analysis: NYHA Will Add Costs, Eliminate Jobs
Upstate United, a BNP partner organization and non-partisan, pro-taxpayer, pro-economic growth, and pro-Upstate education advocacy coalition, recently analyzed the research on the potential economic impact of the New York Health Act (NYHA).
5.7.21 BNP Advocacy Alert – Extended Producer Responsibility Act Too Costly for New York
For weeks, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership has sounded the alarm on S. 1185, known as the Extended Producer Responsibility Act. This bill would broadly shift the responsibility of recycling packaging material (carton, glass, metal), paper and plastic products from municipalities to businesses, which the BNP suspected would add exorbitant costs onto businesses and consumers.