Bill > S221

This bill extends the customs waters of the United States from 12 to 24 nautical miles from the country's baselines, aligning with Presidential Proclamation 7219 from 1999. The legislation updates two existing laws—the Tariff Act of 1930 and the Anti-Smuggling Act—to reflect this expanded maritime jurisdiction. The bill's rationale is based on the evolving capabilities of maritime vessels that can more quickly evade law enforcement, necessitating a broader enforcement zone. The extension is consistent with customary international law as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which allows coastal states to establish a contiguous zone up to 24 nautical miles from their baselines. In this expanded zone, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will have enhanced authority to prevent and investigate potential violations of customs, fiscal, immigration, and sanitary laws. The bill emphasizes that this extension will improve both law enforcement capabilities and public health interests, while still respecting international maritime navigation freedoms. The amendments will take effect the day after the bill's enactment, providing U.S. authorities with a wider maritime enforcement area.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/221/all-info