United States Customs and Border Protection Authorization Act

Floor Speech

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3846, the ``United States Customs and Border Protection Authorization Act.''

The bill before us today seeks to authorize U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the first time since the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security.

As one of the largest operational components within DHS, CBP is charged with the critical, dual mission of securing our Nation's borders while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

It is imperative that CBP is authorized in law in a manner consistent with its current organizational structure.

Only then can Congress conduct full and appropriate oversight of the agency and its activities.

The bill before us today serves that purpose by establishing CBP, its leadership structure, and its functions in law.

I am pleased to say that H.R. 3846 is a bipartisan product that has benefitted from input from Members on both sides of the aisle during the Committee process. Democratic Members of the Committee on Homeland Security offered important amendments on unaccompanied children crossing the border; electronic searches at the border; standards at short-term detention facilities; and professionalism and accountability for CBP personnel.

I want to congratulate the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, Rep. Candice Miller and Rep. Jackson Lee, for their hard work on this measure.

The bill before us today reflects the results of the bipartisan spirit in which they conduct their work, and it should be something all Members can give their strong support.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3846, the ``United States Customs and Border Protection Authorization Act.''

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