Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB529

Introduced
1/25/23  
Refer
1/25/23  
Report Pass
11/30/23  

Caption

Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act

Impact

The passage of HB 529 is expected to have significant effects on state and federal maritime laws by clarifying the boundaries within which customs laws apply. This extension will enhance the ability of U.S. authorities to manage and regulate goods entering the country, as well as combat illegal smuggling operations. By reaffirming the limits of customs waters, the legislation aims to improve national security and compliance with international trade laws, creating a more robust framework for overseeing maritime commerce.

Summary

House Bill 529, known as the Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters 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 aligns with Presidential Proclamation 7219, which has implications for how the U.S. establishes its maritime jurisdiction and enforces trade regulations over the extended area. The bill seeks to provide the U.S. with greater control over its territorial waters and strengthen its customs enforcement capabilities against smuggling and other illegal activities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 529 appears to be largely supportive among lawmakers, with the bill receiving an overwhelming majority of votes in favor (401 yeas to 6 nays) during its passage through the House of Representatives. Proponents argue that extending customs waters is a proactive step in ensuring the integrity of U.S. borders and enhancing the country's ability to regulate maritime activities. However, there may also be concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding potential impacts on international trade and navigation, although these were not extensively detailed in the available discussions.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 529 may center on the implications of extending customs waters and how it may affect international maritime law and relationships with neighboring countries. While supporters view the bill as a necessary enhancement of U.S. customs enforcement, detractors could raise questions about the environmental and navigational impacts on maritime traffic, as well as the potential for increased enforcement measures affecting local fishermen and shipping industries.

Companion Bills

US SB71

Related Extending Limits of United States Customs Waters Act of 2023 This bill extends the customs waters territory of the United States. Under current law, customs waters means waters within four leagues of the coast of the United States. This bill revises the definition to include (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.

US HR1125

Related Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7888) to reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 529) 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; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1112) denouncing the Biden administration's immigration policies; and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1117) opposing efforts to place one-sided pressure on Israel with respect to Gaza.

US HR1137

Related Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7888) to reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 529) 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; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1112) denouncing the Biden administration's immigration policies; and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1117) opposing efforts to place one-sided pressure on Israel with respect to Gaza.

Previously Filed As

US HB1268

Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act

US SB221

Extending Limits of United States Customs Waters Act of 2025

US SB71

Extending Limits of United States Customs Waters Act of 2023 This bill extends the customs waters territory of the United States. Under current law, customs waters means waters within four leagues of the coast of the United States. This bill revises the definition to include (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.

US HR1137

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7888) to reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 529) 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; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1112) denouncing the Biden administration's immigration policies; and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1117) opposing efforts to place one-sided pressure on Israel with respect to Gaza.

US HR1125

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7888) to reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 529) 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; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1112) denouncing the Biden administration's immigration policies; and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1117) opposing efforts to place one-sided pressure on Israel with respect to Gaza.

US SB245

Financial Institution Customer Protection Act of 2023

US HB4393

Customer Non-Discrimination Act

US HB1

Lower Energy Costs Act This bill provides for the exploration, development, importation, and exportation of energy resources (e.g., oil, gas, and minerals). For example, it sets forth provisions to (1) expedite energy projects, (2) eliminate or reduce certain fees related to the development of federal energy resources, and (3) eliminate certain funds that provide incentives to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases. The bill expedites the development, importation, and exportation of energy resources, including by waiving environmental review requirements and other specified requirements under certain environmental laws, eliminating certain restrictions on the import and export of oil and natural gas, prohibiting the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing (a type of process used to extract underground energy resources), directing the Department of the Interior to conduct sales for the leasing of oil and gas resources on federal lands and waters as specified by the bill, and limiting the authority of the President and executive agencies to restrict or delay the development of energy on federal land. In addition, the bill reduces royalties for oil and gas development on federal land and eliminates charges on methane emissions. It also eliminates a variety of funds, such as funds for energy efficiency improvements in buildings as well as the greenhouse gas reduction fund.

US HB4013

AQUAA Act Advancing the Quality and Understanding of American Aquaculture Act

US HB4024

Clean Shipping Act of 2023

Similar Bills

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