For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
PORT HURON, Mich.—Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, joined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske, traveled to Michigan today where he met with Senator Debbie Stabenow, Congressman Gary Peters, and Congresswoman Candice Miller to tour CBP operations in Detroit and Port Huron, Mich. and discussed our shared economic and security interests along the Northern border.
“Securing our Northern border, while at the same time facilitating the important travel and trade within this region, is top priority for the Department of Homeland Security,” said Secretary Johnson. “Trade with Canada remains an important economic engine for the United States, and today’s trip underscored the important balance the Department must achieve.”
While in Detroit, Secretary Johnson, Commissioner Kerlikowske, Senator Stabenow, and Congressman Peters participated in a roundtable discussion with federal, state, local, and private sector partners to discuss our shared economic and security interests along the Northern border. Secretary Johnson also met with and thanked frontline CBP personnel, and toured CBP operations at the Ambassador Bridge Plaza and Fort Street Cargo Facility.
Later, Secretary Johnson traveled to Port Huron and toured operations at the Blue Water Bridge along with Commissioner Kerlikowske, Senator Stabenow and Congresswoman Miller. During the visit, the Secretary also visited updated stacked and staggered inspection facilities completed in 2012—further decreasing wait times and improving traffic flow.
Last February, President Obama issued an executive order to streamline the export/import process for America’s businesses, which will make it easier for business to submit information required by the federal government for the import and export of cargo, and enhance economic competitiveness. Today’s visit underscored the Department’s ongoing commitment to this important goal.
For more information please visit www.DHS.gov.
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