A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcement to keep the northern border closed to non-essential travelers through Aug. 21 drew criticism from Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

“President Biden’s failure to reopen the northern border, especially given Canada’s recent decision to reopen the border to fully vaccinated American travelers in August, is absolutely and unequivocally unacceptable." said Congresswoman Stefanik. “This failure of the Biden Administration to reopen our Northern Border is devastating to North Country families, businesses, and communities who were hopeful that the United States would reciprocate on Canada’s decision to restore travel across the border. It is clear that the Biden Administration has failed the North Country – and it is time for the bipartisan Members of Congress who represent communities along the northern border to follow my leadership and take legislative action.”

Last month, Congresswoman Stefanik introduced the Restoring Northern Border Travel Act, which requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand the categories of permitted travel into the U.S. across the U.S. – Canada border to include individuals traveling to visit family members or property in the U.S., attend business meetings or site-visits, or access U.S. airports. Additionally, the bill requires DHS to submit to Congress and begin implementing a plan to fully restore non-essential travel into the U.S. at the northern border.

Congresswoman Stefanik has recently met with several Members of Parliament to discuss strategies to reopen the U.S. – Canada border and sent letters to each of Canada’s provincial and territorial Premiers requesting their partnership and assistance. She applauded the Canadian government’s recent announcement that fully vaccinated Americans will be able to travel to Canada beginning on Aug. 9.