February 11, 2026
Mrs. Dingell (for herself, Ms. Stevens, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Thanedar, Ms. Scholten, Ms. McDonald Rivet, and Ms. Kaptur) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
To prohibit Federal interference with the opening and operation of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Michigan-Canada Partnership Act
.
Sec. 2. Findings
Congress finds the following:
(1)
The Gordie Howe International Bridge will be a critical piece of United States transportation, trade, and national security infrastructure connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, and linking the economies of the United States and Canada.
(2)
The Detroit-Windsor crossing is the busiest commercial land border crossing in North America, facilitating the movement of passenger vehicles, freight, and supply chains essential to manufacturing, agriculture, and energy production in the United States.
(3)
Trade between the United States and Canada supports hundreds of billions of dollars in annual economic activity, including a substantial share of U.S. automotive, advanced manufacturing, and agricultural trade that flows through Michigan.
(4)
Michigan and Canada are longstanding economic partners, particularly in the automotive sector, where integrated supply chains depend on reliable, secure, and efficient cross-border infrastructure.
(5)
In 2012, the State of Michigan and the Government of Canada entered into a bilateral agreement to advance construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, under which Michigan and Canada share ownership, with Canada financing construction without direct cost to Michigan taxpayers.
(6)
That agreement was executed under Republican Governor Rick Snyder and with the cooperation of Democratic President Barack Obama, reflecting bipartisan recognition of the crossing’s importance to American workers, manufacturers, and national competitiveness.
(7)
Construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge began in 2018 and has proceeded pursuant to valid Federal approvals, permits, and authorizations.
(8)
During his first term, President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged the importance of the Gordie Howe International Bridge through a joint statement with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that said they look forward to the expeditious completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will serve as a vital economic link between our two countries.
(9)
The Gordie Howe International Bridge will enhance resiliency and increase capacity at the northern border by complementing existing crossings, improving freight reliability, and reducing congestion and economic risk associated with reliance on a single crossing.
(10)
Any unilateral Federal action to interfere with the opening or operation of the Gordie Howe International Bridge would harm American workers, manufacturers, farmers, and consumers, disrupt integrated North American supply chains, and undermine the longstanding partnership between Michigan and Canada.
(11)
Congress has an interest in ensuring that the Gordie Howe International Bridge is opened and operated in a timely manner consistent with existing agreements, valid permits, and the national economic and security interests of the United States.
Sec. 3. Prohibition
(a) Prohibition on interference with the gordie howe international bridge
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no Federal officials, including the President, shall by any means impede the opening of or attempt the closure of the Gordie Howe International Bridge and its associated port of entry unless approved by an Act of Congress or requested by the Governor of Michigan.
(b) Affirmative duty To facilitate operation
Federal agencies with jurisdiction over the Gordie Howe International Bridge or its associated port of entry shall take all actions necessary to ensure the timely opening and continuous operation of the bridge and port of entry.
(1) Continuous operation
For purposes of this subsection, continuous operation
means in accordance with the staffing and operational models required by relevant Federal agencies, including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Workforce Staffing Model.
(c) Prohibited delay tactics
No Federal official may impede, delay, condition, or otherwise interfere with the bridge or port of entry through action or inaction, including by failing to take timely and necessary steps to carry out Federal responsibilities.
(d) Judicial review
The State of Michigan or any affected local government may bring an action in a United States District Court to compel compliance with this section.