SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SJM 8025

              As Passed Senate, February 15, 2000

Brief Description:  Encouraging the free flow of goods and people across the United States/Canadian border.

Sponsors:  Senators Gardner, Spanel and Morton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Commerce, Trade, Housing & Financial Institutions:  2/3/2000 [DP].

Passed Senate, 2/15/2000, 46-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, TRADE, HOUSING & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Benton, Gardner, Hale, Heavey, Rasmussen, T. Sheldon and Winsley.

Staff:  Catherine Mele (786-7470)

Background:  Recently, Congress passed Section 110 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.  Among other requirements, this act requires that the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) create an entry and exit control plan at land borders and seaports.  The new law is intended to create a record of entrance and departure of immigrants.  The new law requires entering immigrants to give immigration officials identification information when leaving for the United States, and requires more reporting when returning home.

There are concerns that the new law will cause needlessly long delays in crossing the United States-Canadian border.  In addition, there are concerns that the new law requires expensive investment in technology and infrastructure, and does not address the issues of illegal immigration, lack of drug enforcement, and protection from terrorism.

Summary of Bill:  Congress is requested to repeal Section 110 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Testimony For:  There is a feeling in Congress that the northern border is the same as the southern border.  The northern border is the longest unguarded border in the world.  Canadians should not have to go these stringent requirements at the border.  This will create a serious impediment to trade and long delays at the U.S.-Canadian border.  This memorial will help in our efforts to have the House of Representatives repeal Section 110.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Gardner, prime sponsor.