Bipartisan Senate Bill Aims to Enhance Border Security through AI Technologies
A recently introduced bipartisan Senate bill seeks to bolster the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) technological capabilities at the U.S. border. The Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act, presented by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), aims to make permanent an innovation team established at Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in 2018. This initiative focuses on swiftly deploying new technologies to combat human and drug trafficking effectively.
Cortez Masto emphasized the importance of using innovative tech for border security, stating, "It’s just common sense that we look for ways innovative technologies can help keep our border communities secure." Cassidy echoed her sentiments, stating the need for new technology to stop fentanyl trafficking into the U.S.
This Senate proposal follows a similar bill passed in the House in March, which targeted procurement barriers for DHS to access the most effective technologies. Reps. Lou Correa (D-Calif.) and Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas), who sponsored the House version, described border security as "unconventional warfare" and insisted on maximizing resources for the DHS.
The Senate bill empowers the CBP commissioner to utilize the innovation team for research and application of commercial technologies. Congressional oversight will ensure adherence to standard procedures, while DHS must report to Congress on performance measures and security impacts of any adopted technologies. Potential technologies under consideration include manned aircraft sensors, unmanned aerial systems, and mobile surveillance systems, according to the bill.
The proposed legislation marks a significant step in harnessing emerging technologies to enhance border security, reflecting a growing recognition of the challenges posed by modern trafficking methods.
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