Port of Entry Infrastructure

Our Nation relies on the efficient flow of commerce across our border, and it is the job of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to not only facilitate commerce, but to also secure the homeland. To accomplish this mission, sufficient port of entry infrastructure is needed along with robust Customs and Border Protection staffing. CBP's important mission not only keeps America safe, but also ensures tens of thousands of American jobs and billions of dollars in commerce that come into our country through trade with Canada and with Mexico. A significant portion of the trade with Canada, our No. 1 trading partner-actually our Nation's No. 1 trading partner-and Mexico, who is our Nation's No. 2 trading partner, cross nearly 170 land ports of entry every day. Delays and backups caused by old and inadequate infrastructure cost businesses millions of dollars in lost opportunities. As our economy and security requirements grow, our ports of entry must be able to accommodate more trucks, more passengers and cargo, while at the same time allowing people who cross the border each day convenient and secure travel, as well. How CBP and the Federal Government as a whole prioritize the need to expand and to update existing ports while also planning for new ports is neither clear nor transparent.