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Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) and Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA), both members of the House Committee on Homeland Security, have announced that their bipartisan bill, the Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act, has successfully passed the House. The legislation aims to enhance border security by mandating the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to present a plan to Congress for integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and nanotechnology at the border.
The bill had previously passed the House with unanimous bipartisan support last year. Its introduction follows DHS's announcement of its "Artificial Intelligence Roadmap" in 2024, which outlines plans to test technologies that benefit public safety and homeland security while safeguarding privacy and civil liberties.
"Securing our border requires more than just manpower -- it requires cutting-edge technology that gives our agents the tools they need to stay ahead of the threats we face. This bill passing the House with strong bipartisan support shows that securing our border isn’t a partisan issue, it’s a national security priority,” said Congressman Luttrell. “I’m proud to work alongside Congressman Correa to find solutions to enhance the safety of Americans. Now, it’s time for the Senate to take this up and send it on to President Trump to be signed into law.”
Congressman Correa added: “Border security means keeping drugs and other negative elements away from our communities, as well as utilizing cutting-edge technology that is already available to maintain trade and commerce and give our hard-working officers the tools they need to keep us safe. With this bipartisan effort, Congress will better-understand how our officers can use new technology to stop the fentanyl trade. I look forward to seeing this legislation pass the United States Senate and make its way to President Trump’s desk.”
The Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act includes several key provisions:
- It requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, within 180 days, to submit a comprehensive plan identifying how new technologies can be integrated into border security operations.
- It authorizes Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Innovation Teams tasked with researching commercial technologies for potential adaptation into border operations.
- Each CBP Innovation Team must establish operating procedures clarifying roles within DHS partnerships and protocols for rapidly transitioning technologies into programs.