Announcement of Additional CBP Staff is a Victory for South Florida Economy

WASHINGTON – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement after an announcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding additional staff allocations as appropriated by the FY 2014 omnibus.

“South Florida’s ports of entry are a vital part of our community’s economic engine. I’m thrilled that CBP announced additional CBP officers at Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale Airport, which will help streamline security and customs lines, making traveling through our airports easier and more efficient for both tourists and business travelers. Long wait times have been a huge burden on airport staff and travelers. Since joining the Appropriations Committee, I’ve worked tirelessly to increase much needed staffing at CBP.

“Earlier this year, I helped secure a victory for Florida’s ports when Congress funded an additional 2,000 CBP officers, and last year MIA was only one of five ports nationwide to be selected to participate in a public-private partnership program to hire additional CBP officers.

“Chairman Rogers of the Appropriations Committee and Chairman Carter of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee have been crucial to getting this issue resolved, and I’m grateful that today’s announcement will result in a reduction of the cumbersome wait times.”

Congressman Diaz-Balart has sent several letters sent to the DHS Secretary (see here and here) in support of Miami-Dade County’s request for additional staff, in addition to having met with numerous federal, state, and local officials on the issue.