H.R. 9566: To establish a pilot program for use by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at land ports of entry along the Arizona border to assess the use of artificial intelligence through an anomaly detection algorithm, and for other purposes.

This bill would require U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to start a two-year pilot program using artificial intelligence at land ports of entry along the Arizona border. The AI system would use an anomaly detection algorithm, meaning software designed to spot unusual patterns or outliers in data, to help CBP officers screen for and intercept illicit drugs and contraband.

What the pilot would do

CBP would have to implement the pilot no later than two years after enactment. The goal is to test whether AI can help officers:

• identify suspicious activity more effectively;
• improve the thoroughness of inspections;
• increase the accuracy of detecting drugs and contraband;
• reduce processing times and improve efficiency;
• support intelligence efforts; and
• strengthen border security against trafficking.

Security and coordination requirements

The Department of Homeland Security would have to make sure the system meets all DHS cybersecurity requirements and is managed under ongoing cyber risk controls. CBP could also coordinate with other federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and could seek help from private-sector representatives when developing and testing the system.

Reporting to Congress

The bill would require CBP to report to Congress 180 days after the pilot begins and then every six months until the pilot ends. Those reports would need to include, as practical, data and metrics such as:

• how well the system performs;
• its probability of correctly detecting issues and its false alarm rate;
• operating costs;
• any estimated cost savings;
• whether cybersecurity management is working;
• whether coordination with other agencies is working; and
• whether private-sector involvement was useful.

Within 60 days after the pilot ends, CBP would have to submit a final report with the same kinds of data, plus recommendations on whether the government should expand use of the AI system, taking cost-effectiveness into account.

Duration

The pilot would end two years after the bill becomes law.

Relevant Companies

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