H.R. 5286 The Secure Traveler Improvement Act

A Letter from the Hill

I am writing to ask that you cosponsor H.R. 5286, the Secure Traveler Improvement Act. This legislation would expand programs that expedite low-risk travelers and commercial drivers through northern border crossings. The NEXUS and FAST programs allow carefully screened travelers and commercial drivers’ access to expedited border crossing lanes. NEXUS and FAST strengthen our border security AND economic security. They enable our border inspectors to focus their limited resources on high-risk travelers and cargo. At the same time, they help alleviate border congestion at our busiest northern border crossings. According to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. currently loses $4.13 billion per year, or $471,000 an hour, due to traffic congestion at the northern border. Although the 9/11 Commission recommended expanding NEXUS and FAST, high fees, few NEXUS/FAST-equipped crossings, and burdensome application procedures have kept enrollment in these programs unacceptably low. My bill addresses the barriers for entry by lowering the enrollment fee to $20, adding additional enrollments centers, requiring that NEXUS/FAST be acceptable documents under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and directing DHS to equip crossings in North Dakota, Michigan, New York, Montana, and Minnesota with NEXUS and FAST technology. 400,000 travelers make up 50 percent of all northern border crossings. We need to encourage these frequent travelers and commercial drivers to enroll in NEXUS and FAST. Please join me in cosponsoring the Secure Traveler Improvement Act – legislation that strengthens both our border security and economic security. This bill has been endorsed by the American Society of Travel Agents and the Binational Tourism Alliance. To cosponsor or learn more about NEXUS and FAST, please contact Alan Snyder of my staff at 5-3615.

Sincerely, /s Louise M. Slaughter Member of Congress

KJ