Combatting International Drug Trafficking and Human Smuggling Partnership Act of 2025

Floor Speech

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Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4071) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance the operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in foreign countries, and for other purposes.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 4071

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Combatting International Drug Trafficking and Human Smuggling Partnership Act of 2025''. SEC. 2. ENHANCING THE OPERATIONS OF U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES.

Section 411(f) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 211(f)) is amended--

(1) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and

(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph:

``(4) Permissible activities.--

``(A) In general.--Employees of U.S. Customs and Border Protection designated with the authorities granted to officers and agents of Air and Marine Operations may provide the support described in subparagraph (B) to the government of a foreign country, including by conducting joint operations with appropriate government officials within the territory of such country, if an arrangement has been entered into between the Government of the United States and the government of such country that permits such support.

``(B) Support described.--

``(i) In general.--The support described in this subparagraph is support for the following:

``(I) The monitoring, locating, tracking, and deterrence of the following:

``(aa) Illegal drugs to the United States.

``(bb) The illicit smuggling of persons and goods into the United States.

``(cc) Terrorist threats to the United States.

``(dd) Other threats to the security or economy of the United States.

``(II) Emergency humanitarian efforts.

``(III) Law enforcement capacity-building efforts.

``(ii) Definition.--In this subparagraph, the term `emergency humanitarian efforts' means activities carried out by U.S. Customs and Border Protection pertaining to search and rescue activities, medical assistance, air traffic control assistance, and transport necessary to accomplish such purposes.

``(C) Payment of claims.--

``(i) In general.--Subject to clauses (ii) and (iv), the Secretary may expend funds that have been appropriated or otherwise made available for the operating expenses of the Department to pay claims for money damages against the United States, in accordance with the first paragraph of section 2672 of title 28, United States Code, which arise in a foreign country in connection with U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations in such country.

``(ii) Submission deadline.--A claim may be allowed under clause (i) only if such claim is presented not later than two years after the date of the incident that gives rise to such claim.

``(iii) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which the expenditure authority under clause (i) expires pursuant to clause (iv), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report that describes, for each of the payments made pursuant to such clause (i), the following:

``(I) The person or entity that received such payment.

``(II) The amount paid to such person or entity.

``(III) The country in which such person or entity resides or has its principal place of business.

``(IV) A detailed account of the circumstances to justify such payment.

``(iv) Sunset.--The expenditure authority under clause (i) shall expire on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph.''.

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Mr. GUEST. 4071.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in favor of H.R. 4071, the Combatting International Drug Trafficking and Human Smuggling Partnership Act of 2025.

Mr. Speaker, United States Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations agents play a critical role in the homeland security mission. Every day AMO agents conduct border operations to detect and disrupt human trafficking, narcotics trafficking, and to stop other dangerous and illicit contraband before it reaches our shore.

The impact of the incredible work of the men and women of CBP's Air and Marine Operations is undeniable.

In fiscal year 2025 alone, AMO enforcement actions resulted in the seizure of more than 500,000 pounds of illegal narcotics. I will say that again: One-half million pounds of potential deadly contraband were interdicted. That contraband will never make it into our communities or into the hands of our children.

However, as transnational criminal organizations continue to become more aggressive, they continue to try to extend their reach into the United States, and we must be prepared to meet this evolving threat. Strengthening international cooperation with our partners, such as those in the Western Hemisphere, is an essential first step to combating drug trafficking and human smuggling in addition to supporting other law enforcement missions.

This legislation authorizes AMO and other designated CBP personnel to continue and to expand these successful bilateral agreements by providing training, sharing information, and conducting joint operations that will increase interdictions and enhance regional security as it saves lives and it strengthens our defense and makes America safer.

By bolstering AMO's ability to work with our foreign partners, my bill will help stem the flow of illegal narcotics and ensure that criminals are intercepted before they reach our shores, and we will protect our homeland from those who seek to cause us harm.

I would like to thank Representative Pou for joining me on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation which will enhance CBP's Air and Marine Operations capability as they work to keep our Nation secure and the American people safe.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York.

Mr. Speaker, every day, Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations uses its highly trained pilots, mariners, and surveillance operators to detect, interdict, and stop the smuggling of people and illicit drugs.

Air and Marine Operations, known as AMO, also conducts critical humanitarian missions and search and rescue operations out at sea, including after hurricanes and other natural disasters.

They work with partner countries, specifically in the Americas and the Caribbean, to save lives, train foreign law enforcement, and address threats through joint operations before they reach our borders.

Right now, AMO's authority to enter into these foreign partnerships relies on the yearly appropriations process, hindering their ability to do any long-term planning. This bill formalizes their ability to conduct operations with foreign partners and do such long-term planning. Any such agreements will still have to go through the State Department, but this change will improve AMO's ability to operate strategically and assist foreign partners quickly when needed. This can and will save lives.

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Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers. I am prepared to close after the gentleman from New York, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York.

Mr. Speaker, I support this bill as it helps Air and Marine Operations work quickly, effectively, and strategically with our foreign partners to keep our homeland safe and rescue those in need. This can be the difference between life-and-death in some cases.

I, therefore, support this bipartisan piece of legislation, Mr. Speaker, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to the great work that we saw the men and women of AMO perform this year, I would like to give this body some of the statistics from FY24.

In fiscal year '24, we see that AMO's actions resulted in the arrest of 1,009 individuals; that there were 48,609 apprehensions of illegal aliens, as well as the seizure or disruption of 244,781 pounds of cocaine, 2,235 pounds of fentanyl, 3,061 pounds of methamphetamine, the seizure of 1,499 weapons, and also the seizure of $12.5 million in United States currency.

Mr. Speaker, the previous legislation that we just debated and passed the House talked about violent gangs, FTOs as they are often called. The last legislation introduced by Mr. Knott talked about Tren de Aragua, and we see that Tren de Aragua has become embedded in our communities. They are involved in violent crimes like robbery, assault, and murder. They are involved in human trafficking, and they are involved in narcotics trafficking.

So, Mr. Speaker, I believe that this legislation goes hand in hand with the previous legislation that this body just took up and passed. It is an important step as we continue to remain vigilant and as we continue to do what the American people elected us to do.

They elected us to keep them safe. They elected us to make sure that the communities in which they live are great places to live, worship, and to raise a family.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members on both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 4071, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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