Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB243

Introduced
2/2/23  
Refer
2/2/23  

Caption

A bill to require the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish procedures for conducting maintenance projects at ports of entry at which the Office of Field Operations conducts certain enforcement and facilitation activities.

Impact

The enactment of SB243 could significantly impact state laws associated with the management of federal projects concerning infrastructure at ports of entry. By allowing faster approvals and procedures for repairs and maintenance, the bill aims to enhance operational efficiency at these critical points of entry, which is important for national security and trade. The introduction of annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index ensures that the funding for these projects keeps pace with inflation, thereby maintaining their relevance and applicability over time.

Summary

SB243 aims to streamline the process of conducting maintenance projects at federal government-owned ports of entry overseen by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The bill requires the Commissioner of Customs to establish specific procedures for maintenance projects costing less than $300,000. This move is designed to facilitate timely maintenance and repairs, which are essential for ensuring that ports remain functional and secure as cutting-edge enforcement and facilitation operations occur.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment regarding SB243 is largely positive among its proponents, including lawmakers who believe it will strengthen operational capabilities at ports of entry, making them more resilient and effective. Supporters argue that maintaining vital infrastructure is a necessary step toward economic growth and national security. However, some concerns have been raised about potential budgetary implications and resource allocation, emphasizing the need for careful oversight.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB243 include the bill's provisions for federal authority in making infrastructure decisions without direct input from local stakeholders. Critics may argue that this could weaken local oversight or responsiveness to specific community needs at ports, particularly in areas that are heavily impacted by border security policies. The balance between federal efficiency and local input remains a critical area of discussion as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

US HB8150

Same As Reducing Excessive Vetting Authorities to Maintain our Ports Act

Previously Filed As

US SB2278

Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act of 2023

US HB10499

To establish a pilot program on home kenneling of canines for U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Field Operations, and for other purposes.

US HB2640

Border Security and Enforcement Act of 2023 Legal Workforce Act Immigration Parole Reform Act of 2023 Visa Overstays Penalties Act Protection of Children Act of 2023 Ensuring United Families at the Border Act Border Safety and Migrant Protection Act of 2023 Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of 2023

US HB4991

To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to commence a rule making to establish a U.S. Customs and Border Protection international port of entry at the Port of Stockton and for other purposes.

US SB311

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Retirement Technical Corrections Act

US HB1294

BEST Facilitation Act Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade Facilitation Act of 2025

US HB2

Secure the Border Act of 2023 This bill addresses issues regarding immigration and border security, including by imposing limits to asylum eligibility. For example, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume activities to construct a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border; provides statutory authorization for Operation Stonegarden, which provides grants to law enforcement agencies for certain border security operations; prohibits DHS from processing the entry of non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) arriving between ports of entry; limits asylum eligibility to non-U.S. nationals who arrive in the United States at a port of entry; authorizes the removal of a non-U.S. national to a country other than that individual's country of nationality or last lawful habitual residence, whereas currently this type of removal may only be to a country that has an agreement with the United States for such removal; expands the types of crimes that may make an individual ineligible for asylum, such as a conviction for driving while intoxicated causing another person's serious bodily injury or death; authorizes DHS to suspend the introduction of certain non-U.S. nationals at an international border if DHS determines that the suspension is necessary to achieve operational control of that border; prohibits states from imposing licensing requirements on immigration detention facilities used to detain minors; authorizes immigration officers to permit an unaccompanied alien child to withdraw their application for admission into the United States even if the child is unable to make an independent decision to withdraw the application; imposes additional penalties for overstaying a visa; and requires DHS to create an electronic employment eligibility confirmation system modeled after the E-Verify system and requires all employers to use the system.

US HB5605

Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act

US SB344

A bill to require the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to identify and conduct recurrent vetting of evacuees from Afghanistan found not to be properly vetted before entering the United States.

US SB2864

Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in U.S. Customs and Border Protection Custody Act

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