Border Reinforcement Act of 2023

Border Reinforcement Act of 2023

This bill requires certain actions related to border security and addresses related issues.

For example, the bill

• requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume all activities related to constructing a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border that were underway or planned prior to January 20, 2021;
• requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to submit a strategic five-year technology investment plan to Congress;
• requires CBP to maintain an active duty presence of at least 22,000 full-time equivalent Border Patrol agents by September 30, 2025;
• provides statutory authorization for Operation Stonegarden, a program which provides grants to law enforcement agencies involved with certain CBP operations;
• prohibits DHS from processing the entry of non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) arriving in between ports of entry;
• prohibits the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from accepting as proof of identification certain documents, such as a warrant issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or an employment authorization issued by DHS;
• prohibits DHS from issuing any COVID-19 vaccine mandate unless expressly authorized by Congress or taking any adverse action against an employee based solely on the employee's refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccine;
• limits the use of the CBP One mobile application or a similar program to only for inspecting perishable cargo; and
• requires the Government Accountability Office to study and report to Congress on the costs incurred by states in support of the federal mission to secure the southwest border and the feasibility of reimbursing states for such costs.

Bill 118 hr 2794, also known as the Border Reinforcement Act of 2023, aims to enhance security measures along the United States border. The bill proposes increased funding for border patrol agents, technology, and infrastructure to better monitor and control the flow of people and goods across the border.

Specifically, the bill allocates resources for the construction of physical barriers, such as walls and fences, in areas deemed vulnerable to illegal crossings. It also calls for the deployment of advanced surveillance technology, such as drones and sensors, to improve situational awareness and response capabilities.

Additionally, the Border Reinforcement Act of 2023 includes provisions to streamline the process for hiring and training border patrol agents, as well as measures to enhance coordination and communication between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Overall, the goal of this legislation is to strengthen border security and protect the sovereignty of the United States by deterring illegal immigration and preventing the entry of illicit goods and substances. The bill has garnered support from lawmakers who prioritize national security and border control efforts.