Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement on Vote in Support of Maritime Border Security Bill
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement regarding his vote in support of H.R. 529, the Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act. This bill would strengthen U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) capabilities to protect our nation’s maritime borders by extending U.S. customs waters from 12 to 24 nautical miles. This expanded jurisdiction will allow CBP – specifically, Air and Marine Operations (AMO) – to respond more quickly and effectively to emerging threats in our waters, such as suspect vessels. The bill passed the House by a vote of 402-6.
This vote came after Rep. Levin called on House Speaker Mike Johnson to put the bill on the House floor. An initial vote on the bill was postponed due to chaos within the House Republican Conference.
“Today, I voted in favor of H.R. 529 and was glad to see it pass in the House. This bipartisan bill gives CBP additional resources and jurisdiction to patrol our waters and ensure that agents can address vessels arriving at our coast.
“While I am glad to see this bill move forward, it was long overdue. It was supposed to come up for a vote on the House floor weeks ago, but due to infighting within the House Republican Conference, it did not. I urged Speaker Johnson to stop the political theater and reschedule the vote. Today, that vote succeeded.
“Although this bill passage is one positive step forward in addressing our border and immigration challenges, ultimately, we need comprehensive, bipartisan solutions that tackle the complexities we are facing.
“I hope the Senate advances H.R. 529 quickly and gets it to the President for his signature and enactment into law.”
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