Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — Two hundred days before the Winter Olympics begin in Vancouver, B.C, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano on her first visit to Northwest Washington as DHS Secretary. Secretary Napolitano, Governor Chris Gregoire, Congressman Larsen and local leaders visited the 2010 Olympics Coordination Center in Bellingham and the Blaine border crossing as the region prepares to host the Olympic Games in Vancouver, B.C.

“The 2010 Olympics will create jobs and be an economic engine for Washington state,” said Larsen, who co-chairs Governor Gregoire’s 2010 Olympics Task Force. “As we prepare for the Games and for our economic future after the Games, I thank Secretary Napolitano for visiting Northwest Washington to see first-hand the unique challenges and opportunities we face on our common border with Canada."

“I look forward to working with Secretary Napolitano, Governor Gregoire, our congressional delegation and local stakeholders to ensure that the investments we have made to prepare for the Olympics leave the legacy of a more secure and efficient border for the long-term,” Larsen continued.

Over $598 billion in goods crossed our Northern border in 2008 -- $2 million worth of goods every minute.  Last year alone, Canadian tourists made 26 million visits to the United States, contributing $12 billion to the U.S. economy.

“I appreciate Secretary Napolitano’s willingness to visit our state and see first-hand the improvements we've made to protect our communities,” Gov. Chris Gregoire said. “Washington, with the help and dedication of Representative Larsen, has been committed to ensuring our borders are protected while still allowing efficient travel for tourists and commerce. I am confident that Secretary Napolitano will take our ideas and successes and make them part of the national discussion on security issues.”


Below are Larsen’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

“I want to start by welcoming Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to Northwest Washington. Secretary Napolitano, thank you for taking the time to be here today. I would also like to thank Governor Gregoire for her leadership on border issues. And I would like to acknowledge Whatcom County Executive Pete Kremen, Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo, Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike, and Representative Kelli Linville who are here today.

“Here in Northwest Washington, we don’t just live side-by-side with our friends in Canada, we live together.  And we know that a secure and efficient border is essential to both economic prosperity and public safety. 

Jobs:

“An efficient border with Canada creates good jobs.  Over $598 billion in goods crossed our common border in 2008 – that’s $2 million of goods every minute.  And Canadians made 26 million tourist visits to the United States last year, spending $12 billion to support local economies.

“The port of Blaine is the 3rd busiest port of entry on our Northern Border, after Detroit and Buffalo.  The high volume of commerce flowing through Blaine creates real jobs right here in our community – from customs brokers working just feet away from the 49th parallel to teachers at Blaine Middle School to nurses at St. Joe’s.  All told, over 80,000 jobs in my Congressional district depend on trade with Canada.

“Border communities are connected not just by commerce, but by deep personal bonds and relationships.  Each day, American school children in Point Roberts, Washington, hop into buses for a ride to primary and secondary schools in Blaine.  During the course of this 40 minute trip, these boys and girls cross into Canada, drive around Boundary Bay, and re-enter the United States before the first bell for homeroom.

“This daily event could not occur without the outstanding cooperation and relationships that we have with our friends in Canada.  Working together to create an efficient border is essential to maintaining these relationships and supporting good jobs.

Security:

“Our relationship with our friends in Canada does not eliminate the need for strong border security.  In Washington state, providing border security isn’t about defending a line in the sand.  Out here, border security means providing a layered defense to stem the flow of drugs, illegal immigrants, and terrorists that threaten the safety of our communities.

“Our region has been a leader in border security.  Washington State is the birthplace of Integrated Border Enforcement Teams, which draw on the expertise and intelligence of multiple U.S. and Canadian law enforcement agencies to crack down on common threats.  IBETs are now a staple of our border security, operating from Blaine to Maine.

“Our federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel, in cooperation with their Canadian counterparts, have penetrated the Wilderness of North Cascades and the maze of channels in the San Juans to crack down on harmful drug and weapons smuggling.

“And our joint security relationship is getting stronger as the U.S. and Canada prepare for the 2010 Olympics.  In the Olympics Coordination Center, which we just toured, Federal, State, and Local law enforcement officials will work together and with their Canadian counterparts to keep our region safe.

“I would like to thank Senator Patty Murray for her leadership in securing $4.5 million to construct this facility and support training exercises.

Legacy:

“In just 200 days, the eyes of over 3 billion viewers worldwide will be on our region as the 2010 Olympics kick off with the opening ceremonies in Vancouver.

“The 2010 Olympics will present challenges and opportunities for our region.  We must cope with security threats and increased border traffic, and capitalize on the economic opportunities associated with this event.

“I am confident that the 2010 Olympics will create a positive legacy for our region.  Security cooperation during the Olympics will forge important relationships among many different security organizations in the United States, Washington state, and Whatcom County.  And law enforcement officials in our region will end the games with an even deeper working relationship with their Canadian counterparts.

“Tourism from the 2010 Olympics will create jobs and support tourism here in Washington state.  By leaving a positive impression on the 250,000 in-person spectators and the 3 billion TV viewers who observe the Games, we can create an engine for future economic growth.

“It is now my honor to introduce Governor Gregoire.  Governor Gregoire’s leadership on border issues is second to none.  Since elected, she has led the 2010 Olympics Task Force and led efforts in Washington state to prepare for the Games.  Governor Gregoire took the lead on developing the Enhanced Drivers Licenses – the first in the country – to improve security and efficiency for travelers at the border.  She has developed a strong cross-border relationship with BC Premier Campbell that has led to agreements on such issues as climate change, border security and cross-border transportation.” 

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