H.R. 4683: Securing America’s Ports of Entry Act of 2025

The Securing America’s Ports of Entry Act of 2025 aims to strengthen security at U.S. ports of entry by increasing the number of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and support staff, along with enhancing reporting and evaluation mechanisms for staffing and infrastructure needs. Below are the key components of the legislation:

Increased Personnel

The bill mandates that the Commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection:

• Hire, train, and assign at least 1,000 new CBP officers each fiscal year until the required number of officers aligns with the needs identified in the Workload Staffing Model.
• Authorize the hiring of support staff to assist the newly hired CBP officers, which includes technicians and other administrative roles.

Traffic Forecasts

To determine the appropriate number of CBP officers needed at each port, the Commissioner must consider:

• Data regarding inspections and activities conducted at each port.
• Projected changes in passenger and commercial traffic, including seasonal surges.
• Historical volume data and the impact of events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Personnel needs for enhancing outbound inspections at land ports.

Government Accountability Office (GAO) Review

If the hiring goals are not met, the Comptroller General will:

• Review CBP’s hiring practices to identify issues preventing achievement of these goals.
• Submit a report detailing the findings of this review to relevant congressional committees.

Infrastructure Enhancement Report

Within 90 days after enactment, the CBP Commissioner must submit a report identifying:

• Improvements needed at ports of entry to better interdict illegal drugs.
• Detection equipment necessary for identifying drugs and precursors.
• Safety equipment to protect officers from exposure to dangerous substances during inspections.

Regular Reporting Requirements

Ongoing reports will be required to keep Congress informed on:

• The number of temporary duty assignments for CBP officers.
• The requirements and costs associated with these assignments.
• Notifications prior to redeploying personnel from one port to another, unless in emergencies.
• Plans to mitigate any vulnerabilities created by staffing changes at ports of entry.

Reporting on Agreements and Staffing

The bill also makes amendments to existing laws to ensure that:

• There is a full description of factors considered before entering agreements regarding CBP operations at ports.
• Annual reports include progress on hiring targets and updates on previous reports regarding resource optimization at ports of entry.

Relevant Companies

• None found