Legislation Supports Valley International Airport, Hiring of CBP Agents
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Congresswomen Mayra Flores (R-TX) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY) today introduced the ‘Border Airport Enhancement Act of 2022’ to support the Valley International Airport (VIA)and the Plattsburgh International Airport by designating them as Ports of Entry (POE). This bill also provides support to streamline the hiring of new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents by exempting prior law enforcement, military, or individuals with security clearances from a polygraph test.
Valley International Airport and Plattsburgh International Airport are two primary commercial service airports in close proximity to the Southern Border and Northern Border, respectively, designated as user-fee airports, which requires the airports to pay out of pocket for CBP services, such as security screenings, cargo security and examinations, and immigration inspections.
“Investing in our community is a priority for me, as well as for all residents of the RGV. I firmly believe that by designating Valley International Airport as an official U.S. Port of Entry, we will not only encourage the growth of the City of Harlingen and VIA, but it will also best serve the air-connectivity needs of our region for decades to come,” said Rep. Flores.
“This is just another example of how by all working together, we are taking our districts to new heights while helping our local heroes at CBP hire more officers.”This designation change will also save Valley International Airport roughly $600,000 per year. Additionally, the current polygraph test requirement has negatively impacted dozens of constituents of Texas 34th District who have applied to work for CBP.
“I’m working to ensure Plattsburgh International Airport is equipped with the resources it needs to continue meeting the transportation needs of families in Upstate New York and the North Country and providing access for tourists visiting our region,” said Rep. Stefanik.
“The Border Airport Enhancement Act will provide the Plattsburgh International Airport with access to important services and also support CBP in its efforts to hire new agents. I will continue pushing for results on behalf of our communities in New York’s 21st District.”
