S.301 - Border Security is National Security Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.301, the "Border Security is National Security Act," proposes to allocate $10 billion to the Department of Defense (DoD) for bolstering border security. The funds are intended to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in securing the borders of the United States. The bill outlines specific uses for the funds, including personnel costs, surveillance systems, infrastructure, and equipment.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would significantly increase the resources available to the DoD for border security operations. This could lead to enhanced surveillance, infrastructure improvements, and increased military presence along the border. The bill also affirms the sense of Congress that the President already possesses the authority to direct the military to secure the borders.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced border security through increased resources and personnel.
- Potential reduction in illegal immigration and associated crime.
- Improved surveillance capabilities through advanced technology.
- Support for military personnel and their families through funding for personnel costs.
- Reinforcement of the President's authority to utilize the military for border security.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased militarization of the border, raising concerns about civil liberties.
- Diversion of DoD resources from other critical national security priorities.
- Risk of mission creep for the military, blurring the lines between military and civilian law enforcement roles.
- Potential for negative impacts on cross-border trade and economic activity.
- Concerns about the environmental impact of infrastructure projects along the border.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill raises constitutional questions regarding the role of the military in domestic law enforcement. While the President has broad authority as Commander-in-Chief (Article II, Section 2), the Posse Comitatus Act generally prohibits the use of the military for civilian law enforcement purposes, although exceptions exist. The bill attempts to address this by framing the military's role as support for DHS, but the extent of that support and its potential impact on individual liberties remain a concern. The bill also references Chapter 15 of Title 10, which outlines exceptions to Posse Comitatus.
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).