H.R. 10656: Nicholas Douglas Quets Border Travel Safety Act

This bill would direct the Department of Homeland Security, working through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to create and maintain warning signs for travelers near land ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border. The signs would warn people about nearby roads or areas that the State Department has identified in travel advisories as dangerous because of crime, violence, kidnapping, or similar risks.

What the bill would require

• The Secretary of Homeland Security, with the Secretary of State and the General Services Administration, would set up a program to install and maintain the signs.
• The State Department would identify which nearby areas or routes are considered dangerous in its travel advisories and provide updated information for the signs.
• The signs would need to be placed at appropriate land ports of entry, on nearby roads and routes, and at other locations considered useful for alerting travelers.
• The signs would need to be visible to motorists and pedestrians and placed close enough to help travelers make decisions before crossing or entering risky areas.
• The signs would have to include the phrase “pursuant to the Nicholas Douglas Quets Border Travel Safety Act.”

How the signs would work

• The signage would need to warn travelers clearly about dangerous areas or routes.
• The signs could include a website address or QR code linking to more detailed State Department safety information.
• The signs would need to be easy to update if travel advisories change.
• They would be posted in English and Spanish, and possibly other languages if the Secretary decides that is appropriate.
• The Secretary of State could add other safety information if needed.

Coordination, reviews, and reporting

• Homeland Security would have to coordinate with state, local, and tribal officials, plus transportation authorities, when placing the signs.
• The sign program would be reviewed every year to make sure the signs are accurate and visible.
• The State Department would have to notify Homeland Security when travel advisories change in a way that requires sign updates.
• Within one year of enactment, Homeland Security would have to report to Congress on how the program is being implemented, where signs were installed, and how updates will be handled.
• The Government Accountability Office would also have to report on whether the warnings are effective and whether newer ways of delivering warning information should be used.

Funding and other limits

• The bill would not authorize any new funding.
• The agencies would have to use existing funds and resources.
• The bill states that it does not authorize the use of force against Mexico or anyone in Mexico.

Relevant Companies

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