Clinton’s Proposed Border Fee Blasted

Wed., Feb. 8, 1995

Associated Press

President Clinton’s proposed tax for crossing the U.S. border was criticized in Washington, D.C., Ottawa and along the Northwest border Tuesday.

Republicans in Congress suggested the proposed fee of $3 per vehicle or $1.50 per pedestrian had little chance of surviving budget talks.

Clinton wants to raise an estimated $400 million to help fight illegal immigration and increase border patrols.

“We don’t need a border crossing fee to justify increasing expenditures to secure the border,” said Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, chairman of the House Judiciary immigration subcommittee.

A spokesman for Rep. George Nethercutt said the Spokane Republican wants more details but his first impression was the plan “sounds like another tax and we should be finding ways to cut the budget.”

Canadian officials threatened to retaliate with a similar tax for people crossing into their country.

“We hope these fees will not be imposed and therefore we will not have to do likewise,” said Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Andre Ouellet, whose department sent a formal protest to the U.S. State Department.

As many as 100 million Canadians and Americans cross back and forth across the border each year.

Merchants along the Northwest borders said the tax would cost them business.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.