Should the U.S. Help Foreign Governments Secure Their Borders Against Terrorists? (H.R. 4314)

What is H.R. 4314?

(Updated November 26, 2018)

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. federal agencies should coordinate their assistance to foreign governments for counterterrorism screening. It adds that assistance should be prioritized for countries at the highest-risk for travel by terrorists and foreign fighters.

The Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State Dept. would be directed to accelerate their plans to provide versions of the following systems to foreign governments:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Targeting System;

• State Dept. Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System.

DHS may offer (with exceptions) surplus nonlethal equipment, supplies, and related training to foreign governments if doing so would:

• Further U.S. homeland security interests;

• Enhance the foreign government’s capacity to mitigate the threat of terrorism, infectious disease or natural disaster, protect lawful trade and travel, or enforce intellectual property rights.

Before offering any systems, equipment, or supplies to a foreign government, DHS would have to notify Congress. DHS would also report to Congress annually through 2021 regarding foreign government efforts to combat terrorist and foreign fighter travel.

Argument in favor

Countries that are vulnerable to being used as transit points or havens for terrorists and foreign fighters need to shore up their border security. Providing them with surplus DHS equipment and training will improve global security by restricting terrorists’ movements.

Argument opposed

There is no guarantee that providing foreign governments with equipment and training will enhance the border security of the countries receiving assistance, and if the situation doesn’t improve the U.S. may have to invest more than this bill provides for.

Impact

Federal agencies and departments that offer counterterrorism and border security assistance to foreign governments, people in the U.S., Congress, and the DHS.

Cost of H.R. 4314

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) introduced this legislation to improve global border security to prevent terrorists from lawlessly crossing borders:

“The vulnerabilities that currently exist with international security abroad pose a concerning threat to our homeland. The development of international border security standards is critical. With the rise of terrorism at home and around the world, it’s essential that we work together as a global community to monitor and stop the movement of terrorists.”

The House Foreign Affairs Committee passed this bill by unanimous consent.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) Press Release
• Ripon Advance