WHTI Delay Passed - Buffalo Niagara Partnership

As you know, delaying implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) has been the Partnership's #1 federal policy priority. So, I am very pleased to inform you that language doing just that - delaying WHTI documentation requirements until June 2009 - is in the Omnibus budget bill that Congress passed over the past two days. The President is expected to sign the bill in to law before the new year.

This now means that:

Starting in January 2008, a government-issued photo ID and birth certificate will NOT be required to enter the US from Canada via land crossings.

Sometime in the summer of 2008, the new requirement for passport, PASS card, WHTI-compliant driver's license or trusted traveler (NEXUS, FAST cards, etc.) will NOT be implemented.

Thanks to all of you who have understood from day one the huge negative impact these onerous restrictions would have on our region's economy, and have assisted in our advocacy effort to delay WHTI. Special thanks goes to the WNY congressional delegation, especially Rep. Louise Slaughter who has led the charge on this effort and ensured that the delay language was in the Omnibus bill.

I know it's the holiday season and that we all can breath a sigh of relief about the WHTI delay, but it's also an occasion to quote one of Yogi Berra's truisms "It ain't over 'till it's over." That's because the Bush administration has been quite clear that it continues to oppose the delay, plans to ignore it and require a passport or a "passport like" document this summer. Yes, this in spite of this week's congressional action delaying such a requirement.

So, we may have another fight ahead of us, but the law and Congress are on our side! And our delegation is armed and prepared. Not a bad position to be in. As a matter of fact, Sen. Schumer has already contacted Secretary Chertoff asking that he provide legal justification for requiring any new border crossing requirements.

Again, thanks to all of our members and partners - including the BESST coalition, the Canadian Consulate, and the Bi-National Tourism Alliance - for your contributions to this effort.

We achieved this success through our collective advocacy efforts. Here at the Partnership we are committed to improving the region's business climate through such advocacy efforts, as well as by assisting members grow their businesses. It is from this commitment that the concept for our "Advocacy Boot Camp" was born. Advocacy Boot Camp is an opportunity for Partnership members to learn from successful professionals key skills related to lobbying, presentation, and messaging, applicable to both the collective effort to revitalize our regional economy - like delaying WHTI implementation - as well as the success of your own business.

We're excited about this new avenue for members to engage in building a stronger business environment in Buffalo Niagara, and urge you to check out Advocacy Boot Camp.

Best wishes for a healthy and happy holiday season, and for a peaceful new year.