Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers released the following statement regarding the Danville and Metaline Falls Ports of Entry:

“These border crossings are a vital corridor for people that live in our rural border communities ,” said McMorris Rodgers. “Many in these areas cross the border to work, go to church, shop, or access medical services or recreational opportunities on a regular basis. Not only do these Ports of Entry provide a way for the people of our communities and the communities across the border to come together, they provide necessary economic support. I’m very concerned about the reduction in hours at the Danville and Metaline Falls Ports of Entry because of the detrimental effect it will have on the economy of Northeast Washington.

“I am continuing to urge Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to delay these reductions and hold public town halls in Republic and Metaline Falls. It is unacceptable that CBP has not provided data and analysis that supports the reduction of hours, and I relayed this to Deputy Commissioner Robert Perez when I spoke to him this week. At the very least, new entry hours should be delayed at least a year until CBP can adequately justify these decisions and sufficiently speak to those in the affected communities.”

NOTE: Cathy wrote a letter to CPB in June requesting more information as to the reasoning for the closure and voicing her concerns about these changes. In case you missed it, you can view that letter by CLICKING HERE.

Additionally, Cathy’s staff was present at a local community forum to hear concerns from those in the community about the reduced hours. She wants to continue hearing from people in the community so she can take their concerns directly to the Administration. Concerned community members can find all of Cathy’s contact information here.