Securing America’s Ports of Entry Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]
- Committees
- Homeland Security Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 24, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to significantly boost CBP staffing and infrastructure at ports of entry to enhance border security and drug interdiction capabilities through mandated hiring and comprehensive reporting requirements.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the hiring of at least 1,000 new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers annually, above attrition, until staffing levels meet the Workload Staffing Model requirements. It also authorizes the hiring of support staff to assist these officers. Furthermore, the bill requires the CBP Commissioner to submit several reports, including one on infrastructure and equipment needs to enhance security and drug interdiction at ports of entry, and quarterly reports on temporary duty assignments of CBP personnel.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that increasing CBP officer and support staff numbers is crucial for national security, economic efficiency, and effective drug interdiction, particularly in light of ongoing challenges at the border and the opioid crisis. They contend that current staffing levels are insufficient to manage increasing traffic and threats, leading to longer wait times and vulnerabilities. The bill's reporting requirements are seen as vital for transparent oversight and strategic resource allocation.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that a mandated hiring target of 1,000 officers annually, 'subject to appropriations,' could be fiscally irresponsible without a clear funding mechanism or a more flexible approach to staffing based on evolving needs. Concerns could also be raised about the potential for increased bureaucracy due to extensive reporting requirements, diverting resources from frontline operations. Some may also question the effectiveness of simply increasing personnel without addressing underlying systemic issues or exploring alternative technological solutions more thoroughly.
The bill is concise and straightforward, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding within the typical time allotted for legislative review.
Section 2(a)
Additional U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers
This provision requires the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to hire, train, and assign at least 1,000 new CBP officers each fiscal year. This hiring must be above the current attrition rate and continue until the total number of officers meets the requirements identified by the Workload Staffing Model. This aims to ensure a sustained increase in frontline personnel at ports of entry.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision directly addresses critical staffing shortages at ports of entry, which are essential for national security and facilitating legitimate trade and travel. They contend that more officers will enhance interdiction efforts against illicit goods, particularly opioids, and improve overall operational efficiency, reducing economic costs associated with delays.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that a rigid annual hiring mandate, 'subject to appropriations,' could lead to inefficient resource allocation if actual needs fluctuate or if funding is not consistently provided. They may also suggest that focusing solely on personnel numbers overlooks the potential for technological solutions or process improvements to achieve similar security and efficiency gains more cost-effectively.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for enhanced border security and trade facilitation with potential fiscal constraints and the challenge of recruiting and retaining a large number of qualified officers annually. It prioritizes a numerical increase in personnel over potentially more flexible staffing models.
Section 2(b)
Hiring of Support Staff for CBP Officers
This provision authorizes the CBP Commissioner to hire, train, and assign support staff, including technicians and Enterprise Services mission support personnel. These individuals would perform non-law enforcement administrative functions, thereby freeing up the newly hired CBP officers to focus on their primary law enforcement duties at ports of entry.
Section 2(c)
Refinement of Workload Staffing Model Calculations
This provision directs the CBP Commissioner to refine the Workload Staffing Model used to calculate officer needs. The model must now explicitly consider data on inspections, seasonal surges, projected changes in commercial and passenger volumes, current commercial forecasts, historical volumes prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and personnel requirements for increasing outbound inspection operations at land ports of entry. This ensures a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of staffing needs.
Section 3
Report on Infrastructure, Detection, and Safety Equipment Needs
This section requires the CBP Commissioner to submit a report within 90 days of the bill's enactment. The report must identify specific infrastructure improvements, detection equipment (especially for opioids and precursors), and safety equipment needed at ports of entry. It also requires a description of circumstances at specific ports that prevent the deployment of technology used elsewhere, aiming to address barriers to modernization and officer safety.
Section 4(a)
Transparency in Temporary Duty Assignments of CBP Personnel
This provision mandates that the CBP Commissioner submit quarterly reports to specific congressional committees detailing temporary duty assignments. These reports must include the number of assignments, officers required, ports involved (from and to), affected reimbursable service agreements, duration, cost, and the extent to which assignments supported southern border operations. It also requires 10-day advance notice to port directors and impacted facilities before redeployments, and briefings for affected staff on vulnerability mitigation.