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Vermont Congressional Delegation Advocates Against Border Crossing Hour Reductions
Vermont’s congressional delegation is expressing serious concerns over a recent decision by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to reduce hours of operation at several border crossing stations along the Vermont-Canada border. Announced on November 20, the plan affects 38 ports nationwide, including four in Vermont, which currently operate 24/7.
Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, along with Representative Becca Balint, have formally requested CBP Commissioner Troy Miller to reconsider this move, emphasizing that the reduced hours threaten public safety, local economies, and workforce availability in critical industries. The delegation specifically highlighted the contradiction of this decision to a previous request made in December 2022 advocating for increased operating hours.
Ports in Canaan, North Troy, West Berkshire, and Alburgh are set to see their hours cut down to just 12 hours daily, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. This shift would leave only six 24-hour ports operating along Vermont’s northern border. According to the delegation, these changes would lead to longer wait times and significantly hinder the ability of cross-border workers to reach jobs on time.
North Country Hospital, the state’s northernmost and most rural hospital, expressed particular concern as many of its staff reside across the border in Quebec. The hospital’s CEO stated that limited crossing hours could jeopardize patient care and force residents to seek care elsewhere.
Jay Peak Resort also raised alarms, noting that Canadian visitors account for over half of its revenue. The resort’s president indicated that reduced hours could hinder staffing and guest stays, leading to negative financial repercussions.
The delegation has urged immediate action to reverse the hours reduction and restore service to pre-pandemic levels, stressing the importance of keeping Vermont’s border operations robust and fully functional.
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Photo credit vtdigger.org
