Senators Introduce Companion Legislation to House Bill That Would Require Port-of-Entry Modernization
Four Republican senators on Aug. 3 introduced legislation containing language similar to a bill introduced July 28 in the House that would require port of entry modernization (see 1707310026). Introduced by Sens. John Cornyn of Texas, John Barrasso of Wyoming, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, the “Building America’s Trust Act” would require modernization of the top 10 high-volume ports of entry, including expanding primary and secondary inspection lanes. Both bills would require completion of modernization by Sept. 30, 2021.
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The Senate bill would require DHS to complete the 10 port modernizations “to the extent practicable” before constructing new ports of entry. The Senate bill also contains greater DHS congressional notification requirements for constructing new ports of entry. Both bills would also require the upgrade of all license plate readers at U.S. ports of entry and authorize funding for piloting readers. The Senate bill also contains language similar to another bill passed by the House in June that would give CBP limited discretion to waive pre-employment polygraphs for law enforcement applicants and armed forces applicants who recently held a security clearance (see 1706080007).
Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for the text of the Border Security for America Act.