U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) issued the following statement congratulating Governor Gregoire for her leadership on a Washington state pilot project for a passport alternative:
“I commend Governor Gregoire for her leadership finding long-term solutions to the challenges we face on our Northern border. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will have a big impact on cross-border trade, and it’s essential that we move forward in the right way. While this pilot project is a step in the right direction, many challenges lie ahead. For the sake of our Northwest economy, we must keep Northern border crossings safe, fast and convenient. ”