H.R.1569 - Contraband Awareness Technology Catches Harmful Fentanyl Act; CATCH Fentanyl Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1569, also known as the CATCH Fentanyl Act, aims to establish a pilot program to assess the use of advanced technologies at land ports of entry. The goal is to enhance cargo inspection processes, specifically targeting the detection of contraband like illegal drugs, weapons, and human smuggling. The program emphasizes the use of AI, machine learning, and other emerging technologies to improve the efficiency and accuracy of inspections.
Expected Effects
The implementation of this act would likely lead to faster and more effective cargo inspections at land borders. This could result in a reduction of illegal substances and activities entering the country. The pilot program will also provide data on the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of various technologies, informing future investments in border security.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced detection of illegal drugs, weapons, and human smuggling.
- Increased efficiency in cargo inspections, reducing wait times.
- Improved capabilities of existing inspection equipment through technology enhancements.
- Potential for cost savings through more effective and efficient inspection processes.
- Data-driven decision-making for future investments in border security technology.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential privacy concerns related to the collection and use of personal data during inspections.
- Risk of increased wait times if the new technologies are not properly integrated.
- Potential for errors or biases in AI-driven systems, leading to unfair targeting of individuals or cargo.
- The act does not authorize new appropriations, potentially limiting the scope and effectiveness of the pilot program.
- Possible civil rights impacts on individuals crossing the border due to the use of new technologies.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on border security and preventing the entry of illegal substances aligns with the federal government's responsibility to provide for the common defense and ensure domestic tranquility, as outlined in the Preamble of the US Constitution. However, the implementation of new technologies raises concerns about potential violations of individual rights, particularly the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The bill addresses these concerns by requiring privacy and civil liberties reports and mitigation measures.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).