Legislation to Provide Next-Generation Border and Maritime Security Technologies

The Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a legislative hearing on H.R. 3916, a bill to provide for the next generation of border and maritime security technologies.
The bill's goal is to improve long term planning for research and development at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), especially in the area of border and maritime security technology. The bill also authorizes specific border security technology programs, and instructs DHS S&T to improve processes for setting research priorities and serving the needs of technology end users.

The measure was authored by the Committee's Ranking Member Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX) and is cosponsored by full Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), Subcommittee Chairman David Wu (D-OR), Subcommittee Vice-Chairman Harry Mitchell (D-AZ), and Energy and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Nick Lampson (D-TX).

"This legislation addresses crucial issues and brings up some important questions. Namely, do we have the technology we need to help U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) do their job? Do the new technologies developed by DHS meet the needs of end users in terms of cost and ease of use? And, more generally, how is the DHS Science and Technology Directorate determining priorities for R&D?" remarked Chairman Wu.

CBP processes approximately 1.18 million people entering the United States through established ports of entry everyday. Surveillance technology acts as a "force multiplier," which allows border patrol agents to augment their patrols with ground based and aerial observation capabilities. Examples of currently in-use security technologies include infrared sensors, automated cameras, and seismic sensors to detect motion.

"Technology can't replace manpower, but it can help the Border Patrol do its job more effectively. There are thousands of miles of border but only a limited number of agents to patrol it," said Chairman Gordon. "In 2005, border patrol agents seized an average 3,354 pounds of narcotics being smuggled via illegal entry points every day. Technology can play a vital role in extending observational capabilities, helping border patrol agents locate suspects and monitor the border more effectively."

Many promising technologies are still not feasible for full implementation along the border because of numerous barriers: high cost, lack of robustness in harsh weather, lack of personnel trained to properly use high-tech equipment, and technical problems. DHS S&T has primary responsibility for bringing new technologies to full readiness, with support from other agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which provides testing and validation services.