Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, helped delay efforts to require U.S. citizens entering Canada to have a passport.  Rehberg’s efforts will benefit Montana’s Hi-Line communities that depend on trade with Canada to sustain their local economies.  More than 16,000 Montana jobs are supported by trade with Canada.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will now be delayed until June of 2009, or until the Departments of Homeland Security and State can meet standards for affordable and safe identification cards.  The Department of Homeland Security has been directed to develop a plan that will expedite border crossings for frequent travelers and will eventually lead to a registered traveler program available to those living in border communities.  In addition, Congress has directed the Department of Homeland Security to develop an alternative way for groups of children to travel across an international border under adult supervision to facilitate educational and youth activities.

“I firmly believe it’s possible to shore up our borders without crippling Montana communities that rely on trade and tourism with Canada,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “It appears the passport requirement wasn’t well thought out because endangering a relationship that accounts for thousands of Montana jobs just isn’t practical.”

Under the 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will be delayed to ensure any changes to identification requirements have little effect on border trade.  Currently, less than 30 percent of U.S. citizens have passports.  Passports cost approximately $100 and take up to six weeks to receive.

“We need to find the best possible solution for border identification and I’m convinced that solution shouldn’t  harm Montana’s local economies,” said Rehberg.

Recent data shows $1.4 billion in trade and 300,000 people cross the U.S. - Canada border everyday.