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The House passed the Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act, a bill requiring the Department of Homeland Security to create a plan for using advanced technologies like AI and drones for border security.
This bill, known as the Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act (H.R. 993), directs the Department of Homeland Security to modernize its approach to border security. It requires a detailed plan for deploying advanced tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, drones, and sophisticated sensors. Additionally, it officially authorizes 'Innovation Teams' within U.S. Customs and Border Protection to research and test new commercial technologies while assessing how these tools might affect the privacy of border communities. This vote was conducted under a procedure called 'suspension of the rules.' This is an expedited process used in the House of Representatives to quickly pass legislation that is generally expected to have broad support. Because this process limits debate and prevents members from offering changes (amendments) on the floor, the bill must meet a higher bar for success: it requires a two-thirds supermajority of those voting to pass, rather than a simple majority. The bill passed with a significant bipartisan majority. While nearly all Democrats supported the measure, Republican members were almost evenly divided on the bill. Following this successful House vote, the legislation has been sent to the Senate for further consideration. If it eventually becomes law, it will establish a six-month deadline for the government to produce its technology integration strategy.
The bill has been sent to the Senate and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for review.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. This bill sets a clear technological direction for U.S. border security, emphasizing artificial intelligence and automated surveillance over traditional physical barriers or personnel alone.
Who’s affected. U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Would receive formalized authority for innovation teams and a mandate to modernize equipment. · Border Community Residents: Affected by increased surveillance and the new privacy impact assessments required by the bill. · Technology Companies: Likely to see increased opportunities for government contracts related to AI, drones, and sensors.
Democrats. Democrats overwhelmingly supported the bill, with 206 voting in favor and only 3 opposed.
Republicans. Republicans were divided, with 107 members voting to pass the bill and 109 voting against it.
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Mar 10, 2025
The House passed the Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act, a bill requiring the Department of Homeland Security to create a plan for using advanced technologies like AI and drones for border security.
A 'suspension of the rules' is a fast-track procedure in the House used for bills with broad support. It skips several procedural steps and prevents amendments, but requires a two-thirds supermajority vote (about 67%) to pass instead of the usual 51%.
The bill has been sent to the Senate and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for review.
This bill sets a clear technological direction for U.S. border security, emphasizing artificial intelligence and automated surveillance over traditional physical barriers or personnel alone.
Democrats were nearly unanimous in their support, while the Republican caucus was split almost exactly in half on the measure.
Democrats overwhelmingly supported the bill, with 206 voting in favor and only 3 opposed.
Republicans were divided, with 107 members voting to pass the bill and 109 voting against it.
The single independent member voted in favor of the bill.