WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 993 · 119th Congress

Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act

Passed HouseImmigration
IntroducedFeb 5, 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 406–9. All 4 of Iowa's representatives voted yes in the House. It would change 0 sections of existing law and would add 1 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 993 doesn't change any existing section of law. It would create 1 new provision of its own. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (Mar 11, 2025).

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Innovative and emerging border technology plan
What the words would change: every change, in place (0)

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.

    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

    Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act

    This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security to develop a plan to identify, integrate, and deploy emerging and innovative technologies to improve border security operations. Such technologies may incorporate artificial intelligence, machine-learning, automation, fiber-optic sensing technology, nanotechnology, optical and cognitive radar, modeling and simulation technology, hyperspectral and LIDAR sensors, and imaging, identification, and categorization systems.

    The bill authorizes CBP to establish one or more Innovation Teams to research and adapt commercial technologies that may be used by CBP.

    The plan must describe how the Innovation Teams have been implemented and also detail

    • goals and timelines for adoption of qualifying technologies,

    • metrics and key performance parameters for determining the plan's effectiveness,

    • which technologies used by other federal agencies CBP may also utilize,

    • which existing authorities CBP may use to procure technologies,

    • how CBP legacy border technology programs may be replaced,

    • the expected privacy and security impact of security-related technology on border communities, and

    • recent technological advancements in specified technologies.

    CBP must provide the plan to Congress within 180 days of the bill’s enactment. The bill also requires CBP to annually report to Congress regarding the activities of the Innovation Teams.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Feb 5, 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): 406 - 9 (Roll no. 65). (text: CR H1052-1053) 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): 406 - 9 (Roll no. 65). (text: CR H1052-1053) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
    5. Mar 10, 2025Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1059-1060)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. 993.House floor actions
    8. Mar 10, 2025Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1052-1053)House floor actions
    9. Mar 10, 2025Mr. Green (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
    10. Feb 5, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.House committee actions
    11. Feb 5, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.House floor actions
    12. Feb 5, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    13. Feb 5, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    Recorded votes

    Sourced
    1. Mar 10, 2025 · HousePassed 406–9
      Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn yes
      On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · needed two-thirds
      R 209 yes, 2 noD 197 yes, 7 noEach member · Record

    Cosponsors

    • Laura Gillen D-NY-4
    • Morgan Luttrell R-TX-8