Border Trade Alliance applauds passage of Homeland Security bill

Following Senate passage of a bill creating a new Department of Homeland Security, the Border Trade Alliance (BTA) said the first step has been taken towards improving the management of U.S. international ports of entry.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: TANIA TORRES
602-266-7427
tania@thebta.org

November 19, 2002

Border Trade Alliance applauds passage of Homeland Security bill
Group says new department will help reform management at land border ports of entry

PHOENIX -- Following Senate passage of a bill creating a new Department of Homeland Security, the Border Trade Alliance (BTA) said the first step has been taken towards improving the management of U.S. international ports of entry.

Richard Cortez of McAllen, Texas, chairman of the BTA, says this bill is vitally necessary for facilitating trade and ensuring border security.

The BTA believes that increased security and improved trade facilitation are synonymous," said Mr. Cortez. The creation of a Department of Homeland Security underscores that belief."

Stephen Gross, the BTAs immediate past chair and the organizations point person on security issues, said the bill will help to streamline management in the Federal Inspection Service agencies.

By placing our customs and immigration functions under the same management chain, Congress and the president are seeing to it that the turf battles that have plagued our borders will come to an end once and for all," said Mr. Gross.

The BTA says they will closely monitor the integration of customs and immigration functions into the new department.

The border trade community is going to be greatly impacted by this new department," said Mr. Gross. You can be sure that we want the transition to Homeland Security carried out as smoothly as possible."

About the BTA

Formed in 1986, the Border Trade Alliance (BTA) is a grassroots, non-profit organization that serves as a forum for its participants to discuss and advocate issues pertaining to the environment, border development, quality of life, and trade in the Americas. Its vision is to be a recognized leader and authority for the facilitation of international trade and commerce throughout the Americas.
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