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A bill to extend the customs waters of the United States from 12 nautical miles to 24 nautical miles from the baselines of the United States, consistent with Presidential Proclamation 7219.
1/24/2025, 11:56 AM
Summary of Bill S 221
The purpose of this bill is to enhance the ability of the United States to enforce customs laws and regulations in a larger area of the ocean. By extending the customs waters, the US government will have greater jurisdiction over maritime activities, such as trade, smuggling, and illegal immigration, within the expanded zone.
The bill aims to strengthen national security and protect American interests by allowing for more effective monitoring and enforcement of customs laws in a wider area. It is important to note that this extension is consistent with international law and norms regarding territorial waters. Overall, the Customs Waters Extension Act seeks to improve the ability of the United States to regulate and control maritime activities within its jurisdiction, ultimately enhancing national security and protecting American interests.
Congressional Summary of S 221
Extending Limits of United States Customs Waters Act of 2025
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 States.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.
Current Status of Bill S 221
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 221
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
3Democrat Cosponsors
2Republican Cosponsors
1Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 221
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 221
Comments

Sasha McKenzie
1 year ago
This bill is necessary. Overall, it's a positive step forward.




