House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik has announced her support for the Northern Border Security and Staffing Reform Act. The bill, introduced alongside Representatives Pete Stauber of Minnesota and Nick Langworthy of New York, aims to address staffing shortages and update security measures at northern ports of entry.
Stefanik emphasized the importance of the northern border to Upstate New York and the North Country, stating, “The southern border might receive more media attention, but our northern border is essential to Upstate New York and North Country residents from invasion.” She highlighted the need for updated threat analysis and prioritization of staffing challenges to combat illegal migration threats.
Congressman Stauber noted that while apprehensions at the southern border have decreased, persistent issues remain at the northern border due to understaffing. He stated that the legislation seeks a data-driven approach to enhance security.
Congressman Langworthy expressed his commitment as co-lead on the legislation, pointing out outdated threat assessments and looming staffing crises. He mentioned that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) faces a shortage of nearly 6,000 officers with a projected retirement surge by 2028. Langworthy vowed to fight for necessary resources and strategic attention for vulnerable border crossings.
The proposed legislation mandates DHS to conduct a Northern Border Threat Analysis within 180 days post-enactment and every five years thereafter. It also calls for future analyses to include reports on staffing challenges with plans for resolution. Furthermore, it establishes Congress’s view that CBP must initiate a hiring surge in response to anticipated retirements and current staffing deficits.
The last comprehensive threat analysis was conducted in 2017, with no updates since 2018 despite growing concerns over security and staffing needs. According to CBP’s Officer Workload Staffing Model, there is currently a shortfall of 5,800 officers.
