To require ports of entry along the northern border to remain open as many hours per day as they were open prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bill 118 hr 4961, also known as the "Northern Border Port of Entry Hours Act," aims to ensure that ports of entry along the northern border of the United States remain open for the same number of hours per day as they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill is designed to address concerns about potential disruptions to trade and travel caused by reduced hours of operation at these ports of entry.

The bill specifically requires that all ports of entry along the northern border, including those in states such as Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, and Vermont, maintain the same hours of operation that were in place before the pandemic. This means that these ports of entry must be open for the same amount of time each day, allowing for the smooth flow of goods and people across the border.

Supporters of the bill argue that maintaining consistent hours of operation at these ports of entry is crucial for supporting economic activity and ensuring the efficient movement of goods and people between the United States and Canada. They believe that any reduction in hours could lead to delays and disruptions that could harm businesses and communities that rely on cross-border trade. Opponents of the bill may argue that the requirements outlined in the bill could be burdensome for port authorities and could potentially strain resources. They may also raise concerns about the potential impact on public health and safety, particularly in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the Northern Border Port of Entry Hours Act seeks to ensure that ports of entry along the northern border of the United States remain open for the same number of hours per day as they were before the pandemic, with the goal of supporting economic activity and facilitating the smooth flow of goods and people across the border.