SC New York News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Nick Langworthy introduced the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act (H.R. 8734) to address escalating security concerns at the U.S.-Canada border, ensuring enhanced oversight and accountability from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“Our northern border, the world’s longest unsecured border, poses a major threat to our national security, with hundreds of thousands of unidentified individuals streaming into our communities every year,” said Congressman Langworthy. “The Biden Administration’s neglect has left us completely vulnerable — that’s why I introduced the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act to hold the Department of Homeland Security accountable and ensure they report to Congress. I've personally met with Border Patrol agents in New York and witnessed their struggle firsthand — they are severely under-supported and left to face this crisis with limited resources. This legislation is not just a necessity; it's a demand for more transparency from the Biden Administration as it comes to the safety and sovereignty of our nation.”

The Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act will:

- Mandate DHS to conduct and submit a Northern Border Threat Analysis annually, ensuring up-to-date assessments of security risks.

- Require DHS to update its Northern Border Strategy within 90 days following the annual threat analysis and submit a justification if no updates are needed.

- Obligate DHS to provide classified briefings to Congress within 30 days after the threat analysis submission.

- Instruct DHS to develop performance measures for assessing the effectiveness of Air and Marine Operations (AMO) in securing the northern border.

This legislation was introduced with support from cosponsors Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Lisa McClain (R-MI), Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Tom Tiffany (R-WI), Randy Weber (R-TX), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Carol Miller (R-WV), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), and Elise Stefanik (R-NY).

“President Biden has let our southern border completely crumble, and because of that, our northern border is now being targeted,” said Congresswoman McClain. “We must do everything possible to secure our borders and protect our homeland. The Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act does just that, and I am proud to join Rep. Langworthy and introduce a bill that will send shockwaves throughout the White House.”

Congressman Lawler added, “In the first seven months of Fiscal Year 2024, nearly twice as many individuals on the Known or Suspected Terrorist list were apprehended at our northern border than our southern border. Enough fentanyl has been seized at the northern border to kill over 270 million Americans. In total, nearly twice as many individuals have been apprehended crossing the northern border as the southern border. Yet, despite these disturbing statistics, the crisis at our porous northern border has been even more egregiously overlooked than the crisis at our southern border. That’s why I’ve joined my fellow New Yorker Nick Langworthy and a dozen of our colleagues to introduce the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act. Border security is national security and we must move swiftly to secure both our nation’s land borders.”

“The Biden border crisis isn’t just impacting our southern border; it’s also overwhelming our northern border as a record number of illegals and deadly drugs pour over. Joe Biden has turned every state into a border state,” said Congressman Tiffany.

“Since President Biden took office, there has been an unprecedented surge in illegal crossings at our Northern Border, including an 846% increase across a single sector, threatening our national security and the safety of communities across NY-24,” said Congresswoman Tenney.“The escalating crisis at our Northern Border demands nothing less than decisive and immediate action to safeguard our country. We must immediately enact the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act to create a robust strategy to combat this growing threat at our Northern Border.”

“Over the last few years, the Northern border has seen a surge of illegal drug trafficking and illegal border crossings, including by terror watchlist suspects. This must be addressed. Yet, the Biden Administration has completely ignored critical challenges facing Northern states,” said Congressman Kelly, Co-Chair of the Northern Border Security Caucus.“The Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act requires DHS to examine issues facing U.S.-Canadian borders; work with Congress on solutions.”

"Thanks to this Administration's failed policies," stated Congresswoman Fischbach,"we have seen rises in fentanyl overdoses, human trafficking, known terrorists crossing borders from both sides." She emphasized that "House Republicans are committed" towards addressing these threats.

“Last month," noted Congressman Armstrong,"I hosted hearings highlighting crises at Grand Forks' north-border regions." He stressed how "100 percent fentanyl pills come via Mexican cartels."

“As Biden continues ignoring Southern-Border crises," remarked Congressman Kean,"we act ensuring same doesn't happen Northward."

"The American-border crises devastate US," commented Congresswoman Miller."While DHS ignores obvious catastrophes," she highlighted "unprecedented numbers" trafficked fentanyl/crossings Northward."

Key Background:

The U.S.-Canada boundary spans 5,525 miles across eleven states plus Ohio/Pennsylvania maritime zones.

Through FY24's initial seven months:

- Apprehensions: 9k+ vs prior year's ~5k

- Known/Suspected Terrorists: ~143 caught (~2x South)

- Fentanyl Seizures: ~1k lbs (~270M lethal doses)

DHS efforts past eight years:

- One mandated Threat Analysis released in '17

- One updated Strategy ('18)

- Unfulfilled GAO recommendations ('19)