REPORT: Stefanik joins fellow Congressional Representative in introducing pair of bills to strengthen Northern border

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The office of North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) says she has joined fellow Rep. Nick Langworthy by introducing a pair of bills aimed at strengthening the Northern border.

These bills include: the ‘Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act’ to strengthen oversight and accountability, and the ‘Integrated Cross Border Law Enforcement Operations Expansion Act’ to strengthen U.S. – Canada border security cooperation.

“New Yorkers deserve a governor who stands up for law-abiding citizens and who doesn’t put illegals first but actually puts New Yorkers first," Stefanik declared in a released statement.

According to Stefanik’s office, the ‘Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act’ will shore up DHS assessments that have been inconsistent, irregular, and not accompanied by required updates or classified briefings to Congress.

1. Biennial Threat Analyses: Requires DHS to submit a threat analysis of the northern border every two years, beginning September 2, 2026.

2. Strategy Updates: Within 90 days of each analysis, DHS must update its northern border strategy or notify Congress in writing if no update is needed.

3. Classified Briefings: Requires DHS to provide classified briefings to Congress within 30 days of each threat analysis.

4. GAO Recommendations: Within six months of enactment, DHS must develop performance measures for Air and Marine Operations (AMO) to evaluate effectiveness in securing the border between ports of entry in air and maritime environments.

Meanwhile the ‘Integrated Cross Border Law Enforcement Operations Expansion Act’ directs DHS to negotiate agreements to expand similar joint operations to land, air, and maritime enforcement, providing legal protections and closing coordination gaps.

1. Negotiating Expanded Agreements: Directs DHS to pursue or amend agreements with Canada to expand integrated aerial, land, and maritime operations.

2. Privileges and Immunities for Officers: Authorizes the U.S. to grant necessary legal protections to designated Canadian officers working alongside U.S. personnel, and vice versa.

3. Tort Claims Coverage: Allows DHS/CBP to pay liability claims arising in foreign countries connected to U.S. enforcement operations, closing a gap in operational support.

4. Stationing of Officers: Permits the U.S. to deploy personnel to Canada and to accept Canadian officers stationed in the U.S., enabling joint enforcement actions.

Elise Stefanik image.