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Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act
3/13/2025, 3:23 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1268
The purpose of this extension is to enhance the ability of the United States to enforce customs laws and regulations, as well as to protect the economic interests of the country. By extending the customs waters, the United States will have greater jurisdiction over activities such as smuggling, illegal fishing, and other illicit activities that may occur within its maritime borders.
The bill has garnered bipartisan support in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties recognizing the importance of strengthening the country's ability to protect its borders and enforce its laws. Proponents of the bill argue that the extension of customs waters is necessary to ensure the security and prosperity of the United States. If passed, the Customs Waters Extension Act would represent a significant step towards enhancing the United States' ability to protect its maritime borders and enforce its customs laws. It is expected to have a positive impact on national security and economic interests, while also demonstrating the country's commitment to upholding international laws and regulations.
Congressional Summary of HR 1268
Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act
This bill extends the customs waters territory of the United States to 24 nautical miles from the baselines of the United States.
Under current law, customs waters means waters within four leagues (equivalent to 12 nautical miles) of the coast of the United State. This bill provides statutory authority for two presidential proclamations to extend the customs waters to 24 nautical miles from the baselines of the United States.
Specifically, the bill revises the statutory definition of customs waters to include the waters within (1) the territorial sea of the United States to the limits permitted by international law in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 5928, dated December 27, 1988, that extended such limits to 12 nautical miles from the baselines of the United States; and (2) the contiguous zone of the United States to the limits permitted by international law in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 7219, dated September 2, 1999, that extended such limits to 24 nautical miles from the baselines of the United States.
