One Big Beautiful Bill Act 2025, Section 90004 ("Border security, technology, and screening")

Summary

Appropriates $6.168 billion to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for fiscal year 2025, with funds available until September 30, 2029, to integrate AI and machine learning in nonintrusive inspection equipment for combating illicit narcotics at U.S. borders.

Restricts the funds from being used to procure or deploy untested autonomous surveillance towers along the southwest and northern borders.

Defines "autonomous" as systems using AI, machine learning, computer vision, or algorithms to detect, identify, classify, and track items in real time, enabling operational adjustments without constant human oversight.

Funds support border surveillance tech upgrades, biometric entry/exit systems, and air/marine operational platforms for rapid response.

Facilitates drug trafficking combatting efforts at U.S. borders, specifically concerning drugs like fentanyl.

Directs resources for screening individuals entering/exiting the U.S. and initial screenings of unaccompanied alien children.

Appropriates $6.168 billion for AI-enhanced border security, drug combat, surveillance, and biometric systems through 2029.

(a) In General.--In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated to the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection for fiscal year 2025, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to remain available until September 30, 2029, $6,168,000,000 for the following: (1) Procurement and integration of new nonintrusive inspection equipment and associated civil works, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other innovative technologies, as well as other mission support, to combat the entry or exit of illicit narcotics at ports of entry and along the southwest, northern, and maritime borders. (2) Air and Marine operations' upgrading and procurement of new platforms for rapid air and marine response capabilities. (3) Upgrades and procurement of border surveillance technologies along the southwest, northern, and maritime borders. (4) Necessary expenses, including the deployment of technology, relating to the biometric entry and exit system under section 7208 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (8 U.S.C. 1365b). (5) Screening persons entering or exiting the United States. (6) Initial screenings of unaccompanied alien children (as defined in section 462(g) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 279(g))), consistent with the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-457; 122 Stat. 5044). (7) Enhancing border security by combating drug trafficking, including fentanyl and its precursor chemicals, at the southwest, northern, and maritime borders. (8) Commemorating efforts and events related to border security.

Prohibits using funds for untested surveillance towers along U.S. borders.

(b) Restrictions.--None of the funds made available under subsection (a) may be used for the procurement or deployment of surveillance towers along the southwest border and northern border that have not been tested and accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to deliver autonomous capabilities.

Defines "autonomous" as systems using AI to detect, identify, and adjust without constant human oversight.

(c) Definition of Autonomous.--In this section, with respect to capabilities, the term ``autonomous'' means a system designed to apply artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, or other algorithms to accurately detect, identify, classify, and track items of interest in real time such that the system can make operational adjustments without the active engagement of personnel or continuous human command or control.