0
Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act of 2023
12/4/2024, 3:23 AM
Summary of Bill S 2278
One of the key provisions of the BEST Facilitation Act is the allocation of additional resources for border enforcement agencies, such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This includes funding for the hiring of more border patrol agents, the implementation of new technology and infrastructure at the border, and the enhancement of surveillance capabilities.
The bill also includes measures to improve coordination and communication between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in order to better address border security threats. This includes the establishment of joint task forces and information-sharing mechanisms to combat illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities along the border. In addition, the BEST Facilitation Act aims to streamline trade processes and promote economic growth by facilitating the movement of goods and people across the border. This includes provisions to modernize ports of entry, improve customs procedures, and enhance trade facilitation programs to expedite the flow of legitimate trade while maintaining security measures. Overall, the Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act of 2023 seeks to strike a balance between enhancing border security and promoting efficient trade practices in order to protect national security, support economic growth, and ensure the safety of communities along the US-Mexico border.
Congressional Summary of S 2278
Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act of 2023
This bill establishes positions within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to review inspection images of vehicles and cargo entering or exiting the United States.
Specifically, the bill establishes the position of image adjudicator within the CBP Office of Field Operations. An image adjudicator must (1) review nonintrusive inspection images of vehicles and cargo entering or exiting the United States; (2) assess whether such vehicles and cargo contain contraband, illicit drugs, weapons, or persons seeking to unlawfully enter the United States; and (3) refer suspicious vehicles and cargo for further inspection by a CBP officer.
The bill also establishes the position of supervisory image adjudicator with additional responsibilities, including receiving and reporting intelligence to the National Targeting Center about techniques used by malign actors to transport contraband, illicit drugs, weapons, and persons seeking to unlawfully enter the United States.
The bill establishes annual training requirements for both image adjudicator and supervisory image adjudicator positions, including training on privacy and civil liberties and how to analyze inspection images.
Within a year of this bill's enactment, CBP must develop a workforce staffing model for these positions. The Government Accountability Office must validate the model within six months of the model's completion.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 2278
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 2278
Total Number of Sponsors
3Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
3Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
6Democrat Cosponsors
4Republican Cosponsors
2Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 2278
Primary Policy Focus
ImmigrationAlternate Title(s) of Bill S 2278
Comments
Tru Schultz
1 year ago
Can't believe they're pushing it through. This is gonna be a disaster. #NoThanks
