Slaughter receives Binational Star Award

Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, March 16, 2006

Niagara Fall Mayor Vince Anello (right) congratulates U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter on her receiving of the inaugural Binational Star Award from the Binational Tourism Alliance. (photo by David Young)

The Binational Tourism Alliance recognized U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-28th District, with its inaugural Binational Star Award during the 2006 Binational Tourism Summit, held in Niagara Falls on March 6.

The Star Award is presented to individuals who have taken a leadership position in the fight to promote binational cooperation, understanding, and economic and political partnerships between the United States and Canada.

“Congresswoman Slaughter has worked diligently over the past several years to improve the cross-border relationships that we have in the binational Niagara Region, and has been tireless in her efforts to bring more balanced and appropriate solutions to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative discussions in Washington,” said Arlene White, executive director of the Binational Tourism Alliance. “She understands the dynamics of our cross-border community and the critical importance of keeping these borders open to growing tourism, trade and economic opportunities, while ensuring the safety and security of residents and travelers.”

During past years, Slaughter has worked closely with members of the Northern Border Caucus, the Canadian government, the Niagara Cross-Border Mayors, the Binational Tourism Alliance, area chambers of commerce, the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, and the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, as well as with a wide variety of tourism, trade and small business representatives. Her efforts have focused on a greater understandability of the broader community issues, as well as work to make improvements to border crossings, the NEXUS program and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative proposal.

In April 2005, Slaughter spearheaded a Presidential Executive Order to force a federally-led economic analysis of the WHTI before the plan is enacted. It is expected that this comprehensive review will put added pressure on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State to address the serious economic consequences the WHTI will have if implemented in its current form, along with its potential to greatly damage tourism and trade in the region.

“It’s a true honor to be given this award by a group so dedicated to the pursuit of a secure and open border,” Slaughter said. ‘It’s been a pleasure to work with the Alliance, and I’m excited about what we are set to accomplish.

“Everyone knows that cross-border travel is critical to our communities, and that it keeps our local economies strong. We don’t have to choose between economic and physical security. We can have both. We just have to approach this problem in the right way.”