WASHNGTON, March 16 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today welcomed a new agreement between the United States and Canada that could help restore passenger train service to and from Montreal and lead to streamlined border crossing procedures for motorists and airline passengers.

“We want our borders to be safe and secure, of course, but we also must work to preserve the centuries-old friendship between our nations and the ability of Americans and Canadians to freely cross the border,” Sanders said.

The agreement would require legislation to implement.

For train passengers, the agreement could clear the way for opening a new customs and immigration facility at Montreal’s Central Station. “This is an important step toward reestablishing rail service between Vermont and Montreal,” Sanders said.

The agreement also has the potential to help relieve congestion at Vermont’s highway border crossings. “The economic links between Canada and Vermont are vital and there is great potential to make them stronger,” Sanders said.

Sanders last year organized meetings in Vermont with senior U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials to discuss a decrease in the number of border patrol officers at Vermont ports of entry.  “I have long been concerned that reductions in personnel at the northern border are slowing travel and commerce with our single largest trading partner.”