WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 495 · 119th Congress

Subterranean Border Defense Act

Passed HouseImmigration
IntroducedJan 16, 2025
Passed HouseMar 10, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Mar 11, 2025: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The House passed it 402–1. In the House, Iowa's representatives split: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn did not vote. It would change 1 section of existing law.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 495 would change 1 section of existing law. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (Mar 11, 2025).

Public Law 117-263 An earlier law, changed directly

What the words would change: every change, in place (1)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

  1. Public Law 117-263changedby H.R. 495 Sec. 2

    The bill says: Paragraph (2) of section 7134(a) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 6 U.S.C. 257 note) is amended by inserting "and annually thereafter" after "development of the strategic plan".

    Bill text

From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

What it does

Sourced

Subterranean Border Defense Act

This bill requires recurring annual reporting by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the implementation of a strategic plan to counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations. Currently, CBP is only required to report once no later than one year after the plan's development.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Jan 16, 2025).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

Sourced
  1. Mar 11, 2025Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.Senate
  2. Mar 10, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
  3. Mar 10, 2025On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 - 1 (Roll no. 63). (text: CR H1046) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
  4. Mar 10, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 - 1 (Roll no. 63). (text: CR H1046) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  5. Mar 10, 2025Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1057-1058)House floor actions
  6. Mar 10, 2025At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
  7. Mar 10, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 495.House floor actions
  8. Mar 10, 2025Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1045-1046)House floor actions
  9. Mar 10, 2025Mr. Green (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
  10. Jan 16, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.House committee actions
  11. Jan 16, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.House floor actions
  12. Jan 16, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
  13. Jan 16, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show key steps only

Recorded votes

Sourced
  1. Mar 10, 2025 · HousePassed 402–1
    Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn did not vote
    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · needed two-thirds
    R 208 yes, 0 noD 194 yes, 1 noEach member · Record

Cosponsors

  • Andy Biggs R-AZ-5
  • J. Luis Correa D-CA-46
  • Laura Gillen D-NY-4
  • Paul A. Gosar R-AZ-9
  • Michael Guest R-MS-3
  • Clay Higgins R-LA-3
  • Morgan Luttrell R-TX-8
  • Andrew Ogles R-TN-5