Rep. Rosendale Sends Letter To CBP About Mismanagement Of Priorities At Opheim Port

On Sept. 12, Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) sent a letter to the Senior Official Performing the Duties of Commissioner at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Troy Miller about the CBP’s mismanagement of priorities at the Opheim Port of Entry in Opheim.

Before the COVID pandemic, the port operated from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Since then, the hours at the port have been reduced to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. This schedule remains in place even after the COVID-19 outbreak has ended. This change in hours hinders Montanan producers and puts them at a disadvantage with the Canadian side, which is open seven days a week and for longer hours each day.

CBP cites a lack of funding for the change in hours, yet they plan on building gazebos and solar panels on all six border patrol houses at the port while only one house is currently being used. It is blatant that poor financial and management decisions led to the current reduction in hours. Rep. Rosendale urges CBP to open the Opheim Port back to its pre-COVID-19 hours immediately and demands CBP prioritize Montanans needs over their radical green agenda.

“There is absolutely no reason for COVID restrictions to still be in effect anywhere,” said Rep. Rosendale. “Instead of prioritizing luxurious gazebos and ineffective solar panels, CBP should be instead put those funds towards making sure Montanan producers have an operational port that is fully operational. CBP must immediately open the Opheim Port back to its pre-COVID-19 hours!”