Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) have reintroduced the bipartisan Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act, a legislative effort aimed at enhancing U.S. border security by expanding the nation’s customs waters territory from 12 to 24 nautical miles.
The bill seeks to provide the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) with broader jurisdiction to combat the increasing threats of drug smuggling and human trafficking.
The legislation comes amid an unprecedented border security crisis, with record-breaking numbers of illegal crossings and drug seizures under the Biden administration.
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According to CBP reports, over 11 million encounters have been recorded during President Joe Biden’s term, along with the seizure of more than 9,000 pounds of fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid. Expanding territorial waters is expected to give law enforcement greater authority to intercept criminals before they reach American shores.
Senator Rick Scott emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating that frontline agents need expanded authority to effectively secure U.S. maritime borders.
“Our U.S. Coast Guard and CBP Air and Marine Operations are tirelessly working to keep our maritime territory safe by intercepting drugs and human traffickers before they reach our shores,” Scott said. “With President Trump’s renewed focus on border security, this bipartisan bill will be instrumental in keeping Americans safe by strengthening the legal framework that supports our brave men and women in uniform.”
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Scott urged bipartisan support for the bill, citing the urgent need to curb the flow of illegal drugs into the country and protect American communities from the growing threats posed by transnational criminal organizations.
Senator Maggie Hassan echoed Scott’s sentiments, underscoring the vital role of CBP officers in protecting the country’s borders.
“CBP officers work around the clock to prevent drug and human traffickers from entering our country by land, sea, and air,” Hassan said. “This bipartisan effort will provide these officers with the necessary tools and jurisdiction to ensure our communities remain safe from criminal enterprises that seek to do harm.”
Hassan committed to working alongside her colleagues to push the bill through Congress and provide law enforcement agencies with the resources they need.
Joining Senators Scott and Hassan in co-sponsoring the bill are Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), who highlighted the national security implications of strengthening maritime enforcement.
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Senator Gallego noted the importance of securing U.S. waters, saying, “Strengthening our border includes keeping our water secure. This bill ensures that CBP has the necessary authority and tools to stay ahead of transnational criminal organizations.”
The legislation aims to:
- Extend CBP and USCG authority in U.S. territorial waters from 12 to 24 nautical miles, enhancing their ability to monitor and intercept illegal activity at sea.
- Codify existing laws and formally recognize the 1999 Presidential Proclamation 7219, which established the contiguous zone extending to 24 nautical miles.
- Enable enforcement of customs, fiscal, and sanitary laws, effectively doubling the area of operation for federal law enforcement agencies.
The proposed legislation marks a significant step in the Trump administration’s broader efforts to bolster border security. If passed, it would provide federal agencies with the jurisdiction needed to disrupt criminal networks operating near U.S. shores and prevent dangerous narcotics from entering the country.
As the bill moves forward, lawmakers from both parties acknowledge the urgency of addressing border security concerns while ensuring enforcement efforts align with national security priorities.
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