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Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act
3/14/2025, 4:25 PM
Summary of Bill HR 993
The bill emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of evolving threats and ensuring that the Department of Homeland Security has access to the most cutting-edge technologies available. By developing a comprehensive plan for the integration of these technologies, the bill seeks to enhance the effectiveness of border security operations and improve overall national security.
In addition to developing this plan, the bill also requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide regular updates to Congress on the progress of implementing these new technologies. This transparency and accountability measure ensures that lawmakers are kept informed of the Department's efforts to enhance border security. Overall, the Border Security Technology Innovation Act aims to leverage new and advanced technologies to strengthen border security operations and address any capability gaps that may exist. By prioritizing innovation and staying ahead of emerging threats, the bill seeks to enhance the security of the United States' borders and protect the safety of its citizens.
Congressional Summary of HR 993
Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act
This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security to develop a plan to identify, integrate, and deploy emerging and innovative technologies to improve border security operations. Such technologies may incorporate artificial intelligence, machine-learning, automation, fiber-optic sensing technology, nanotechnology, optical and cognitive radar, modeling and simulation technology, hyperspectral and LIDAR sensors, and imaging, identification, and categorization systems.
The bill authorizes CBP to establish one or more Innovation Teams to research and adapt commercial technologies that may be used by CBP.
The plan must describe how the Innovation Teams have been implemented and also detail
- goals and timelines for adoption of qualifying technologies;
- metrics and key performance parameters for determining the plan's effectiveness;
- which technologies used by other federal agencies CBP may also utilize;
- which existing authorities CBP may use to procure technologies;
- how CBP legacy border technology programs may be replaced;
- the expected privacy and security impact of security-related technology on border communities; and
- recent technological advancements in specified technologies.
CBP must provide the plan to Congress within 180 days of the bill’s enactment. The bill also requires CBP to annually report to Congress regarding the activities of the Innovation Teams.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 993
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 993
Total Number of Sponsors
10Democrat Sponsors
10Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
3Democrat Cosponsors
1Republican Cosponsors
2Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 993
Primary Policy Focus
ImmigrationAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 993
Comments
Savanna Clements
9 months ago
I don't like this bill cuz it sounds like they gonna use fancy tech stuff to spy on people at the border. I don't want nobody watchin' me all the time, it ain't right. They should be focusin' on helpin' people instead of tryin' to control 'em with all this new tech stuff. It's gonna make me feel unsafe and like I can't trust the government. I don't want this bill to pass, it's gonna make things worse for everybody.
Marvin Cash
9 months ago
I don't think this bill is a good idea. It sounds like a waste of money to me. Why do we need all this fancy technology for border security? Seems like a lot of unnecessary spending to me. Just my two cents.
