The House passed U.S. Rep. John Katko’s (R-NY) Northern Border Security Review Act on Wednesday.
The bill would mandate that the Department of Homeland Security conduct an analysis of current and potential threats along the nation’s northern border.
“While great attention is justifiably given to the challenges of securing our southern border, ensuring the safety of our vast northern border is also critical to our national security,” Katko said. “I served as a federal prosecutor on our border, both at home in New York and in El Paso, Texas. I’ve seen firsthand the issues that our nation faces countering violent drug trafficking, organized crime and potential terrorist acts.”
The bill also would assist in determining the resources needed to increase operational control along the northern border.
“I’ve spent time with Customs and Border Protection officers and border-control agents in my district,” Katko said. “This bill will help these officials address threats at and between ports of entry along the northern border.”