H.R.993 - Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 993, the Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act, directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a plan for identifying, integrating, and deploying new technologies to enhance border security. This plan must be submitted to the House and Senate Homeland Security committees within 180 days of the Act's enactment.
The Act also authorizes the Commissioner of CBP to maintain Innovation Teams to research and adapt commercial technologies for border security. These teams are required to establish operating procedures and strategic goals, and report annually to Congress on their activities.
Overall, the bill aims to modernize border security through the adoption of emerging technologies and improved coordination between DHS, CBP, and the private sector.
Expected Effects
The Act is likely to lead to increased investment in border security technology and the development of new strategies for border management. It will also foster collaboration between government agencies and private companies in the technology sector.
Furthermore, the Act could result in the phasing out of older technologies and the implementation of more advanced surveillance and detection systems. The CBP Innovation Teams will play a key role in piloting and transitioning these technologies into operational programs.
Finally, the Act mandates assessments of privacy and security impacts on border communities, potentially leading to mitigation strategies to address any negative consequences of new technologies.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced border security through the deployment of advanced technologies.
- Increased collaboration between government agencies, private sector, and research institutions.
- Potential for economic growth through the development and deployment of new technologies.
- Improved efficiency and effectiveness of border security operations.
- Identification and mitigation of potential privacy and security impacts on border communities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased surveillance and reduced privacy for individuals living in border areas.
- Risk of deploying technologies that are not fully tested or effective.
- Potential for cost overruns and inefficient spending on unproven technologies.
- Possible negative impacts on civil liberties and due process.
- Risk of unintended consequences from the use of advanced technologies, such as AI and automation.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's broad mandate to "provide for the common defence" (Preamble). The focus on border security falls under the purview of national defense and the federal government's responsibility to protect its borders.
However, the implementation of new technologies, particularly those involving surveillance, must be carefully scrutinized to ensure compliance with the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Act's requirement for assessing privacy impacts is a positive step in this direction.
Furthermore, the delegation of authority to the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Commissioner of CBP is consistent with the principle of separation of powers, as Congress is establishing the policy and delegating the execution to the executive branch (Article I, Section 8).
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).