This bill, the Michigan-Canada Partnership Act, would stop federal officials from blocking the opening or operation of the Gordie Howe International Bridge unless Congress approves or the Governor of Michigan requests it. It requires federal agencies with jurisdiction over the bridge and its port of entry to take all actions needed to ensure the bridge opens on time and remains in continuous operation. The bill defines “continuous operation” to mean operating under the staffing and operational models required by federal agencies, including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Workforce Staffing Model. It also bars federal officials from delaying or conditioning the bridge or port of entry by action or inaction. The State of Michigan or affected local governments could sue in U.S. District Court to enforce the bill.
The bill text includes findings that describe the bridge as a critical transport link between Detroit and Windsor, that the Detroit-Windsor crossing is the busiest commercial land border in North America, and that trade through the crossing supports large amounts of economic activity. The findings note a 2012 Michigan–Canada agreement under which Canada financed construction without direct cost to Michigan taxpayers, that construction began in 2018 with valid federal approvals, and that unilateral federal interference would harm workers, supply chains, and the Michigan–Canada partnership.
No publicly available information.
The bill’s findings say the Gordie Howe International Bridge is a critical piece of transportation, trade, and national security infrastructure. Proponents say the bridge supports large amounts of trade, helps integrated supply chains (especially for the automotive sector), and was advanced under a 2012 agreement with Canada that financed construction without direct cost to Michigan taxpayers. The bill frames federal interference with the bridge as harmful to workers, manufacturers, farmers, consumers, and U.S.-Canada economic partnership.
No publicly available information.