Should Congress extend CBP’s marine jurisdiction?
The bill intends to extend the customs waters of the United States from 12 to 24 nautical miles. It seeks to redefine customs waters to reflect international law, by including both territorial waters and the contiguous zone. This bill would extend the Customs and Border Patrol Agency’s maritime jurisdiction beyond the 12 mile limit up to the limit of the US’s contiguous zone, allowing the agency to board, seize, and search vessels beyond the current marine limit.
Sponsor: Rep. Mike Waltz (Republican, Florida, District 6)
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Opponents say
• At the time of research and publication, no official opposing statements have been identified. This does not mean that nobody opposes the bill, nor does it mean that opposing statements will not be made in the future.
Proponents say
• "Biden’s failed border policies also extend out to the sea. Over the past few months, we’ve seen an influx of drug and human traffickers washing up on Florida’s shores [...] We must give our federal law enforcement officials the authorities to more effectively intercept and catch these criminals and keep our communities safe." Source: Rep. Mike Waltz (Republican, Florida, District 6).
• "The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations keep families in Florida and around our nation safe by patrolling the beaches, shore waters and maritime territory, conducting search and rescue operations and intercepting vessels transporting illegal drugs and the victims of human trafficking. Our bill, the Extending U.S. Customs Waters Act, will extend the United States’ customs waters territory to help ensure our Coast Guard and CBP/AMO has the jurisdiction and authority needed to cut down on drug and human trafficking so that families everywhere remain safe. I am thankful for the bipartisan support and I urge all my colleagues to support this important bill." Source: Sen. Rick Scott (Republican, Florida, District 13)
• "We’re expanding law enforcement agencies’ ability to stop drug and human traffickers, helping keep communities across our country safe and secure" Source: Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (Independent, Arizona, District 9)
- Waltz, Scott and Sinema Reintroduce Legislation to Crack Down on Drug and Human Trafficking (Press Release)
- Understanding International Waters: Boundaries, Jurisdiction And Legal Implications (Marine Insight)
- Ten Things You Should Know About the High Seas Treaty (The Nature Conservancy)
- What to Know About the New U.N. High Seas Treaty — and the Next Steps for the Accord (NPR)
- Representative Mike Waltz’ Largest Donors (OpenSecrets)
