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Extending US Customs Waters to 24 Nautical Miles for Enhanced Border Control.

This Act extends the area where U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can conduct law enforcement activities from 12 to 24 nautical miles from the coast. The change aims to enhance security and effectiveness in combating smuggling, illegal migration, and sanitary law violations by providing agents more time to interdict fast vessels. For citizens, this means stronger control in coastal waters, intended to positively impact public safety and health interests.
Key points
The operational range of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is doubled from 12 to 24 nautical miles to better combat smuggling and illegal transport.
The extension aligns US law with international standards (Contiguous Zone) and increases the ability to intercept modern, high-speed vessels.
This change strengthens the government's ability to enforce customs, fiscal, immigration, and sanitary laws over a larger maritime area.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_71
Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
Process start date: 2023-01-25