Federal lawmakers will not act on a bipartisan bill aimed at strengthening security along New York’s northern border until after the Nov. 5 elections. The proposed legislation, introduced by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Nick Langworthy, seeks to address rising illegal crossings, which have surged over 240% since 2022.
The bill would enhance resources for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and update the Department of Homeland Security’s northern border strategy, which hasn’t been revised since 2018. While it passed a Senate committee, House members are not voting until after Election Day, delaying federal action.
Local officials have urged immediate support, citing the strain on North Country communities.
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