Duval Times

Today, Senators Rick Scott and Maggie Hassan reintroduced the bipartisan Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act. This legislation aims to expand U.S. customs waters territory from 12 to 24 nautical miles from the baselines of the United States. The goal is to enhance the jurisdiction and authority of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) in efforts to combat drug and human trafficking.

Customs and Border Protection reported record numbers during Joe Biden's presidency, with over 11 million encounters and more than 9,000 pounds of fentanyl seized. The expanded jurisdiction will enable federal authorities such as AMO and USCG to better address these challenges.

Senator Rick Scott stated, "Members of our U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations are working day-in and day-out to keep our nation’s shores, beaches, and maritime territory safe." He emphasized that this bill will help stop illegal drugs by expanding the jurisdiction of relevant agencies.

Senator Maggie Hassan remarked on the role of CBP officers in keeping the country safe: “This bipartisan legislation will give Customs and Border Protection officers more authority to stop criminals who are trying to come to our shores."

Senator Ruben Gallego expressed his support by saying, “Strengthening our border includes keeping our water secure." He highlighted that this bill would provide CBP with necessary tools against transnational criminal organizations.

The Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act seeks to formally extend law enforcement authorities within U.S. customs waters up to 24 nautical miles. It also aims to update existing laws while codifying a 1999 Presidential Proclamation establishing the contiguous zone from 12 nautical miles outwards.