This bill enhances northern border security by mandating regular threat analysis updates, strategy revisions, congressional briefings, and performance measures for air and marine operations, without allocating additional funding.
Margaret "Maggie" Hassan
Senator
NH
The "Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act" amends existing law to require updated threat analysis reports on the northern border every three years, starting in 2025, and updates to the Department of Homeland Security’s Northern Border Strategy every five years, starting in 2026. It also mandates classified briefings to Congress after each threat analysis and directs the development of performance measures for Air and Marine Operations. The bill stipulates that no additional funds will be allocated for its implementation.
Northern Border Security Update Mandates Regular Reviews, No New Funding
The "Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act" amends the existing Northern Border Security Review Act, focusing on consistent updates and oversight without allocating new funds.
Cranking Up the Review Cycle
This bill puts a tighter schedule on reviewing security threats and strategies along the U.S.-Canada border. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is now required to submit a comprehensive threat analysis by September 2, 2025, and then every three years after that. This analysis will include tracking changes in the number of people apprehended at the border, offering a clearer picture of evolving threats. Think of it like a mandatory security system check-up, but for the entire northern border.
Strategy Refresh & Congressional Briefings
Beyond just identifying threats, the bill also requires the DHS to update its Northern Border strategy by September 2, 2026, and every five years going forward. These updates must incorporate the findings from the latest threat analysis. Plus, within 30 days of submitting each threat analysis, the Secretary of Homeland Security has to give classified briefings to the relevant congressional committees. This means lawmakers get a private, detailed rundown of the border situation, keeping them in the loop on sensitive security matters.
For someone working in logistics or cross-border trade, more consistent strategies could mean smoother, more predictable operations—or, potentially, more frequent changes to procedures if threats shift rapidly.
Measuring Success in the Air and at Sea
Within 180 days of this bill becoming law, the Secretary of Homeland Security must develop ways to measure how well the Air and Marine Operations are securing the northern border. This means figuring out what success looks like for border security operations that involve aircraft and boats. For example, how many illegal crossings are prevented? How quickly are they detected? These measures will help assess whether current tactics are working.
The Budget Tightrope
Here's the kicker: the bill explicitly states that no additional funds will be appropriated to implement these changes (SEC. 3). This means the DHS has to work within its existing budget to meet these new requirements. While the intent is clearly to enhance security and oversight, the lack of extra funding could create challenges. It might put a strain on resources, potentially impacting how effectively the DHS can carry out these new mandates. It's like being asked to do more with the same amount of tools and manpower.
How it fits with existing laws
The bill amends the Northern Border Security Review Act, updating the requirements of threat analysis and the northern border strategy.