Checkpoint Modernization Act
The Checkpoint Modernization Act would direct the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to prioritize renovations of U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints along the southern border, focusing on three goals: (1) improving the safety and well-being of law enforcement personnel, (2) enhancing agents’ ability to detect and deter human smuggling, contraband, and other illicit goods, and (3) reducing traffic congestion and improving public safety to handle increasing traffic. The bill requires a reporting together with cost estimates and project status, and it authorizes funding of at least $150 million per year for 2025–2028 to carry out these renovations. It also includes a provision to permanently rescind unobligated EPA climate justice grant funds (section 138 of the Clean Air Act) to support these efforts. Funding under the measure is contingent on appropriations.
Key Points
- 1Purpose: Renovate select U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints to improve agent safety, increase detection/deter illicit activity, and reduce traffic congestion for rising southern-border traffic.
- 2Funding: Authorization of not less than $150 million annually for fiscal years 2025–2028 to carry out checkpoint renovations.
- 3Oversight and reporting: Requires a cost-estimate and status report within 180 days of enactment and annual updates to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 4Funding condition: Renovation projects are subject to the availability of appropriations, meaning spending depends on future congressional appropriations.
- 5Budget reallocation: Permanently rescinds unobligated balances of EPA Climate Justice grants under section 138 of the Clean Air Act (i.e., unspent EPA environmental justice funds) to support the program.