The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 529, the Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act, a significant legislative measure aimed at strengthening border security by extending the jurisdiction of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from 12 to 24 nautical miles off the coast. This move is intended to enhance the CBP's capabilities in intercepting illegal activities such as drug and human trafficking. The bill, introduced by Rep. Michael Waltz and supported by various lawmakers including Sen. Rick Scott, seeks to address the increasing challenges posed by criminal organizations exploiting maritime routes to smuggle contraband and unvetted migrants into the United States, noting a 334% increase in maritime interceptions since FY2020.
The border crisis goes beyond our land borders. The number of migrants caught trying to illegally enter the US in the maritime domain has increased 334% since FY2020. I just voted (HR 529) to double the current distance CBP can enforce US laws from 12 to 24 miles off our coast.
Today I voted for @RepWaltzPress bill that will allow Border Patrol to enforce our immigration laws an additional 12 miles offshore. With the thousands of pounds of illicit drugs crossing our border and coastal waters under the Biden admin we must give CBP the tools they need to…
Border security is national security. I voted YES on the Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act to double CBP's patrol limit around the U.S. coastline and stop illicit fentanyl and other deadly drugs from pouring over our borders. https://t.co/TzfhCzjJAK
Today, I voted for the Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Water Act, which gives law enforcement officials a greater ability to protect our borders that are being flooded by illegals immigrants every single day. Border security is national security!
Emboldened by Pres. Biden's open borders agenda, criminal organizations are working to smuggle deadly drugs, unvetted migrants, & other illegal contraband by sea. The House just voted to strengthen CBP's ability to intercept these lawbreakers and keep our communities safe. https://t.co/FfR2IXvpvE
Today, the House overwhelmingly passed Rep. Waltz's Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Water Act to secure U.S. coastal borders, including Florida's, from drug & human trafficking. Thanks to @SenRickScott for introducing the companion bill in the Senate👇 https://t.co/EmKS53tXHU
Pleased the House passed @RepWaltzPress’s H.R. 529, the Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act. I was proud to cosponsor this bill to extend customs law enforcement authorities from 12 to 24 nautical miles & enable @CBPAMO to respond to illicit activities further out at sea. https://t.co/lJHLGstn9k