FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 10, 2024
Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
Dr. Rand Paul Champions Legislation to Designate CVG as USFWS Port of Entry, Eliminating Logistical Nightmares and Creating Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a victory for the people of Kentucky and sound trade policy, the Senate passed U.S. Senator Rand Paul’s (R-KY) amendment #1952 to streamline the layover of goods at CVG, which was included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3935). Dr. Paul’s amendment recognizes the pivotal role of Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), one of the largest airports in cargo volume, by beginning the process of adding it to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) list of Designated Ports. This designation authorizes CVG to directly process shipments of wildlife and wildlife-derived products, eliminating logistical nightmares, significantly reducing costs, and creating job opportunities for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
“Adding Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport as a Designated Port is a strategic move that enhances efficiency, reduces costs, creates jobs for Kentucky, and aligns it with the demands of global commerce,” said Dr. Paul. “My amendment is a win-win, not just for our Commonwealth but for the national economy.”
Despite its impressive 2022 (the latest year for which data is available) ranking as the sixth busiest cargo airport in the United States when CVG handled over eight billion pounds of landed cargo, the airport is currently grappling with significant inefficiencies. Presently, couriers at CVG must drive wildlife goods elsewhere for inspection by USFWS. For example, in some cases, couriers ship wildlife goods 100 miles to Louisville for inspection by USFWS, then return 100 miles back to CVG, and finally ship the goods to their intended destinations. Dr. Paul’s amendment would fix this bureaucratic oversight and enable the rapid movement of goods through one of America’s busiest cargo hubs.
Additionally, this legislation includes a provision to allow USFWS to accept donations from private entities, providing an opportunity for stakeholders in the aviation and trade industries to contribute to the necessary changes that will include CVG among its designated ports.
You can read the amendment HERE.
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