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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

Bill 119 s 221, also known as the "Customs Waters Extension Act," proposes to extend the customs waters of the United States from 12 nautical miles to 24 nautical miles from the baselines of the United States. This extension is in line with Presidential Proclamation 7219.

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

Bill S 221 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 23, 2025. Bill S 221 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on January 23, 2025.  Bill S 221's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of January 23, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 221

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
3
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
1
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 221

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 221

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.
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.

Comments

Sasha McKenzie profile image

Sasha McKenzie

1,119

1 year ago

This bill is necessary. Overall, it's a positive step forward.