Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 5, 2025
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.
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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.
Passed/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)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1059-1060)
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. 993.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1052-1053)
Mr. Green (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
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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: Jul 30, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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