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Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy Bill Heads to President for Signature

On December 20-21, 2010, the Senate and House passed H.R. 4748, the Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act of 2010, to require the development of a northern border counternarcotics strategy1, and for other purposes. H.R. 4748 now heads to the President for his signature.

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Would Require Biennial Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy

H.R. 4748 would require, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, and every 2 years thereafter, the Director, in consultation with the head of each relevant National Drug Control Program agency and relevant officials of States, local governments, tribal governments, and the governments of other countries, shall develop a Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy and submit the strategy to specified congressional committees.

Strategy Would Have to Promote, Not Hinder, Legitimate Trade and Travel

Among other things, the strategy would be required to set forth the Federal Government strategy for preventing the illegal trafficking of drugs across the international border between the U.S. and Canada, including through ports of entry and between ports of entry on the border, reflect the unique nature of the U.S.-Canada border, etc. H.R. 4748 would require the Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy to be designed to promote, and not hinder, legitimate trade and travel.

1H.R. 4748 will amend the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2006