Because the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently indicated it may halt operations unless ports cover the costs of screening equipment — a move that could jeopardize national security — U.S. Reps. Laurel Lee (R-FL) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) on July 10 proposed a bill that aims to rectify the situation.
“Our nation’s seaports are not only critical to our economy, but they are key points of entry that must be secured,” said Rep. Lee. “This bill is a straightforward, bipartisan solution that alleviates the burden placed on private seaports by CBP’s recent equipment demands.”
Currently, CBP officers at many seaports face challenges operating in temporary or makeshift facilities due to outdated legal constraints that prevent the agency from securing long-term leases, according to the lawmakers.
Rep. Lee sponsored the CBP Securing Ports and America’s Commerce and Economy (SPACE) Act, H.R. 4336, to resolve the issue by clarifying CBP’s ability to enter into leases for operational space at seaports and other facilities, help eliminate enforcement gaps caused by the lack of available or suitable infrastructure, and improve coordination with port authorities to strengthen U.S. supply chain security, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
H.R. 4336, which has four original cosponsors, including Rep. Buchanan and U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), specifically would amend current law to give CBP the authority to directly lease necessary space from port authorities or private entities, the summary says.
“Our seaports are being forced to absorb outrageous costs for Customs and Border Protection expenses, including demands for equipment that often goes completely unused,” Rep. Buchanan said. “The CBP SPACE Act is a common-sense fix that allows existing customs fees to cover these costs, relieving the burden on local ports and protecting jobs.”
The measure is under consideration by the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.
“This bill will ensure the obligations placed on seaports are fair, transparent, and help support safe, lawful trade and travel,” added Rep. Lee.