PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · May 30, 2012
Secure Border Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a comprehensive strategy for gaining, within five years, operational control of the international borders between U.S. ports of entry.
Requires such strategy to include an analysis of: (1) staffing requirements; (2) infrastructure needs; (3) the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, camera technology, sensors, and other innovative technology; (4) cooperative agreements with international, state, local, tribal, and other federal law enforcement agencies; (5) other means designed to respond to unlawful cross-border activity and to reduce the level of violence; (6) a schedule for implementing security measures; (7) a plan for major surveillance and detection technology programs; and (8) the recommendations made in the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report "Enhanced DHS Oversight and Assessment of Interagency Coordination is Needed for the Northern Border." Directs the Secretary to develop metrics to measure security effectiveness at ports of entry which shall consider: (1) the number of infractions related to personnel and cargo committed by major violators; (2) the required number of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers, Agricultural Specialists, and Canine Enforcement Officers necessary to achieve operational control; (3) infrastructure improvements; (4) resource deployment; and (5) the recommendations made in such GAO report.
Sets forth reporting requirements.
People & committees
Rep. Miller, Candice S. [R-MI-10] · R–MI
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3237)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H3237)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1299.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3236-3239)
Mr. King (NY) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 184.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 112-274.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 112-274.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security.
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.1299 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.1299 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.1299 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.1299 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.