H.R.195 - U.S. Customs and Border Protection Relocation Act; CBP Relocation Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 195, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Relocation Act, directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to relocate the headquarters of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to the State of Texas by January 1, 2026. The relocation includes the transfer of functions, personnel, and real assets. The bill emphasizes strategic placement of the headquarters to address border crises between the United States and Mexico.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be the physical relocation of CBP headquarters to Texas. This could lead to a shift in resource allocation and potentially a greater focus on border-related issues. It may also impact the local economy of the area in Texas where the headquarters is relocated.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Border Crisis Management: Locating the CBP headquarters closer to the US-Mexico border could improve responsiveness to border crises.
- Economic Boost to Texas: The relocation could bring jobs and investment to the region in Texas where the headquarters is established.
- Improved Collaboration: The bill mandates collaboration with the Texas General Land Office, potentially fostering better federal-state cooperation.
- Streamlined Operations: Proponents may argue that being closer to the border streamlines CBP operations and decision-making.
- Increased Focus on Border Security: The relocation could signal a stronger commitment to border security and related issues.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Disruption: Relocating a large federal agency could cause disruption to operations and employee relocation challenges.
- Cost Considerations: The relocation process could be expensive, diverting resources from other important areas.
- Impact on Current Location: The area currently hosting CBP headquarters could experience economic and job losses.
- Possible Over-Centralization: Concentrating CBP resources in one location might reduce flexibility in addressing other national security concerns.
- State and Federal Coordination Challenges: While collaboration is mandated, differing priorities between the federal government and the State of Texas could lead to conflicts.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and to provide for the common defense. The relocation of a federal agency falls under the purview of congressional authority. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).