Duval Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Extending U.S. Customs Waters Act received support from Senator Rick Scott and Representative Michael Waltz following its passage in the House of Representatives.

Senator Rick Scott praised the bill, stating, “The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO) keep families in Florida and around our nation safe by patrolling beaches, shore waters and maritime territory, and fighting to stop drug and human trafficking. Our bill, the Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act, will extend the United States’ customs waters territory to help ensure our Coast Guard and CBP AMO have the jurisdiction and authority needed to stop drug and human trafficking so that families everywhere remain safe. I am thankful for the bipartisan support of this important bill, and I am glad to see it pass the House of Representatives. I urge the Senate to quickly pass this important bill and send it to the president’s desk for his signature.”

Representative Michael Waltz echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need to protect Americans by securing the country's borders. He said, “We cannot leave Florida’s coastline wide-open like the Biden administration has our southern border. We must protect Floridians and all Americans by securing our country’s borders, especially as the situation in Haiti worsens. That is why I am proud to pass this important legislation in the House to double the distance offshore for CBP and our Coast Guard to intercept migrants and drug smugglers trying to illegally enter our country from the water. Now, I hope to see this bill pass in the Senate and signed into law.”

The Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act aims to extend law enforcement authorities of CBP AMO and codify the U.S. Coast Guard maritime authority in U.S. Customs Waters from 12 nautical miles to 24 nautical miles. This extension will enhance the ability of authorities to enforce U.S. customs, fiscal, and sanitary laws at sea, contributing to the safety and security of the nation's borders.