Subterranean Border Defense Act

Bill Number

H.R. 495

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Immigration

Status

Passed House

Latest Action

2025-03-11: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Last Updated

2026-07-11T16:08:24Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Subterranean Border Defense Act (H.R. 495) aims to improve oversight of U.S. efforts to detect and counter illicit tunnels used for cross-border activities, such as smuggling or trafficking, by mandating regular reporting on these operations.

Key Provisions

• Short Title: The legislation is officially named the "Subterranean Border Defense Act."
• Reporting Requirement: It amends Section 7134(a)(2) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263) to require the development of a strategic plan for countering illicit cross-border tunnels, followed by annual reports thereafter.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The original 2023 law required a one-time strategic plan for countering illicit cross-border tunnels.
• This act modifies it by adding a mandate for annual reports after the initial plan, ensuring ongoing updates and accountability rather than a single submission.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will need to produce yearly reports, potentially increasing administrative workload but also improving coordination and resource allocation for tunnel detection technologies and operations.
• On Citizens: May enhance border security by promoting sustained efforts against smuggling and illegal crossings, indirectly benefiting communities near the border through reduced illicit activities.
• On International Relations: Could strengthen U.S. cooperation with neighboring countries (e.g., Mexico) on shared border threats, though it focuses primarily on domestic operations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Agencies: Primarily DHS and related border security entities responsible for tunnel detection and reporting.
• Congress: Gains regular updates to inform oversight, funding decisions, and policy adjustments.
• Border Communities and Law Enforcement: Local stakeholders may see improved security measures against cross-border crime.
• General Public: Taxpayers funding these operations, with potential indirect benefits from enhanced national security.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Builds on existing authority under the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act without creating new powers, focusing on transparency through reporting; no major challenges to due process or privacy rights are introduced, as it targets illicit activities.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's oversight role in national defense and immigration enforcement under Article I, promoting accountability without infringing on executive branch operations.
• Political: Emphasizes border security priorities, potentially influencing debates on immigration and national defense funding; the annual reporting could lead to more data-driven policy changes in future legislation.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Crane, Elijah [R-AZ-2]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46], Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5], Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9], Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3], Rep. Luttrell, Morgan [R-TX-8], Rep. Ogles, Andrew [R-TN-5], Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-11: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
• 2025-03-10: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2025-03-10: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 - 1 (Roll no. 63). (text: CR H1046) (Roll call 63)
• 2025-03-10: 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): 402 - 1 (Roll no. 63). (text: CR H1046) (Roll call 63)
• 2025-03-10: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1057-1058)
• 2025-03-10: 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.
• 2025-03-10: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 495.
• 2025-03-10: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1045-1046)
• 2025-03-10: Mr. Green (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
• 2025-01-16: Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
• 2025-01-16: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
• 2025-01-16: Introduced in House
• 2025-01-16: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Subterranean Border Defense Act — issued 2025-03-10 — PDF (4 pages)
• Subterranean Border Defense Act — issued 2025-01-16 — PDF (2 pages)
• Subterranean Border Defense Act — issued 2025-03-11 — PDF (2 pages)