S.703 - Contraband Awareness Technology Catches Harmful Fentanyl Act; CATCH Fentanyl Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.703, the CATCH Fentanyl Act, aims to establish a pilot program to assess the use of advanced technology to enhance cargo inspection at land ports of entry. The goal is to improve the detection of contraband, illegal drugs, weapons, and human smuggling. The bill mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the CBP Innovation Team, to implement these pilot projects, focusing on technologies like AI, machine learning, and quantum information sciences.
Expected Effects
The implementation of this act will likely lead to enhanced border security through improved detection capabilities at land ports of entry. This could result in a reduction in the flow of illegal substances and other contraband into the United States. The pilot program will also provide data on the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of various technologies, informing future investments in border security infrastructure.
Potential Benefits
- Improved detection of illegal drugs and contraband at land ports of entry.
- Increased efficiency of cargo inspections, potentially reducing wait times.
- Enhanced border security and reduced human smuggling.
- Data-driven decision-making regarding technology investments in border security.
- Potential for private sector involvement in developing innovative inspection technologies.
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 effectively integrated.
- 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, requiring careful monitoring and mitigation.
- The reliance on technology may lead to job displacement for some CBP personnel.
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. The emphasis on data privacy protections also reflects concerns for individual liberties, although the specific impact on constitutional rights would depend on the implementation of the technologies and the safeguards put in place. The Fourth Amendment, protecting against unreasonable searches and seizures, is particularly relevant, requiring a balance between security needs and individual rights.
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).