H.R. 495: Subterranean Border Defense Act
The bill, known as the Subterranean Border Defense Act, aims to enhance the oversight and reporting of operations related to detecting and countering illicit cross-border tunnel activities. Specifically, it introduces a requirement for annual reports detailing efforts to combat these illicit tunnels, which are often used for smuggling drugs, humans, and other contrabands across borders.
Key Provisions
- Annual Reporting Requirement: The bill mandates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) prepare and submit annual reports that outline the strategic plan and ongoing operations to counter illicit cross-border tunnel activities.
- Focus on Counter-Tunnel Operations: It emphasizes the importance of developing strategies to detect and eliminate tunnels that may be utilized for illegal activities extending from Mexico and potentially other locations.
- Integration with Existing Frameworks: This legislation amends a previous law, specifically the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, to include a provision for these annual reports.
Purpose of the Bill
The overall purpose of the Subterranean Border Defense Act is to provide enhanced accountability and transparency regarding the actions taken by the DHS to address the problem of cross-border tunnels. By requiring annual documentation and assessment, the legislation aims to improve the effectiveness of counter-tunnel operations and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently to combat the use of tunnels for illicit activities.
Implications
This bill may result in the increased allocation of resources to tunnel detection and disruption efforts, potentially leading to more comprehensive strategies in border security practices. The annual reporting framework could also help in assessing the effectiveness of current measures and in informing policymakers about the state of tunnels used for illegal activities.
Relevant Companies
- CSCO - Cisco Systems may be involved as a provider of technology solutions for border security systems, including surveillance and tunnel detection technologies.
- ADT - ADT Security Services could be impacted as they offer security systems that may play a role in monitoring and protecting border areas.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
9 bill sponsors
Actions
12 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Mar. 11, 2025 | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. |
| Mar. 10, 2025 | At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed. |
| Mar. 10, 2025 | Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1057-1058) |
| Mar. 10, 2025 | Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1045-1046) |
| Mar. 10, 2025 | DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 495. |
| Mar. 10, 2025 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| Mar. 10, 2025 | Mr. Green (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. |
| Mar. 10, 2025 | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 - 1 (Roll no. 63). (text: CR H1046) |
| Mar. 10, 2025 | Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 - 1 (Roll no. 63). (text: CR H1046) |
| Jan. 16, 2025 | Introduced in House |
| Jan. 16, 2025 | Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security. |
| Jan. 16, 2025 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement. |
Corporate Lobbying
0 companies lobbying
None found.
* Note that there can be significant delays in lobbying disclosures, and our data may be incomplete.
