PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Jul 29, 2008
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on July 10, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) conduct, through the Coast Guard in the maritime environment, a program for the mobile biometric identification of suspected individuals, including terrorists, to enhance border security and for other purposes; (2) ensure such program's coordination with other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) biometric identification programs; and (3) report to the appropriate congressional committees respecting the cost of expanding the Coast Guard's biometric identification capabilities for use by other Coast Guard and DHS vessels and units.
Defines "biometric identification" as the use of fingerprint and digital photography images.
People & committees
Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-9] · R–FL
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 394 - 3, 1 Present (Roll no. 534). (text: CR H7182)
House roll call 534 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 394 - 3, 1 Present (Roll no. 534).(text: CR H7182)
House roll call 534 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7267-7268)
At 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.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2490.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7182-7183)
Mr. Thompson (MS) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 477.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 110-751.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 110-751.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism Discharged.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.
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: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.2490 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.2490 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.2490 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.
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