Bills · S 1871
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1871Immigration
Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act
INTRO MAY 22· LAST ACTION MAY 22
READING
8MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill is important because it pushes the government to update and modernize how it secures the nation's borders, which is a major concern for many voters. If passed, it means CBP would get a clearer roadmap for adopting cutting-edge tools like advanced drones, better surveillance, and faster inspection equipment, potentially making border operations more efficient and effective at detecting illegal activities.
Without this bill, the process of adopting new technologies for border security might remain slower and less coordinated, potentially leading to continued reliance on older systems that may not be as effective. Voters should care because enhanced border technology could lead to changes in national security, immigration enforcement, and potentially impact the privacy and civil liberties of individuals near borders or those crossing them, depending on the specific technologies chosen and how they are implemented.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a plan within 180 days to identify, integrate, and deploy new, safe, and secure technologies to enhance CBP capabilities at borders and ports of entry.
Ensures a structured approach to modernizing border security technology.
PROVISION 02
The plan must include an assessment of potential privacy, civil rights, civil liberties, and safety impacts of these technologies, along with proposed mitigation measures.
Addresses concerns about the societal implications of advanced surveillance and security tools.
PROVISION 03
Authorizes CBP to maintain "Innovation Teams" to research and adapt commercial technologies for border use and assess potential outcomes, including negative consequences.
Provides a dedicated structure within CBP for exploring and testing new technological solutions.
PROVISION 04
The plan must identify specific technology areas for consideration, including manned and unmanned aircraft systems, various surveillance technologies, non-intrusive inspection, tunnel detection, and advanced communications equipment.
Directs focus toward concrete types of technology that could significantly impact border operations.
PROVISION 05
Requires the plan to include strategies for phasing out legacy border technology programs and coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate and other offices.
Ensures a comprehensive approach to technology upgrades, from research to replacement of outdated systems.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Nevada
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
122
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAY 22
Introduced in Senate
MAY 22
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 1871
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMay 22, 2025
Last actionMay 22, 2025
READER REACTIONS
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 22, 2025
Senate BillS 1871Immigration
Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act
INTRODUCED MAY 22, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 22, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
8 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
