Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) announced Tuesday the introduction of their bipartisan “Continuing High-Quality Evaluations of Concerning and Known Persons of Interest through National Training Updates” (CHECKPOINT) Act.
This legislation aims to enhance the effectiveness and accountability of U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint operations by codifying the Checkpoint Program Management Office (CPMO) and implementing crucial updates to training and data collection.
The CHECKPOINT Act seeks to formalize the CPMO, providing it with the official authority to oversee performance, improve data collection, and foster better interagency coordination at Border Patrol checkpoints nationwide.
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A key component of the bill is the requirement for regular updates to drug seizure data categories and training programs, ensuring they remain relevant to the evolving challenges faced by agents on the ground, particularly in combating the flow of illicit drugs like fentanyl.
“The Trump administration is making tremendous strides to secure our border and combat fentanyl and other deadly drugs coming into our communities and devastating families across the country,” said Senator Scott. “Our bipartisan bill, the CHECKPOINT Act, will continue those efforts and provide tools, training, and resources to ensure our Border Patrol agents are equipped to respond to what on-the-ground agents see every day. This will help strengthen our checkpoints and ensure law enforcement can stop traffickers before they reach our communities and makes important updates to improve accountability and will regularly update how the U.S. Border Patrol manages, trains, and evaluates checkpoint operations. I am glad to have bipartisan support on this commonsense legislation to stop drugs from pouring into our nation and protect American lives.”
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“Fentanyl is pouring across our border and poisoning Arizona communities,” stated Senator Gallego. “Border Patrol agents are on the front lines of fighting this crisis, and we need to make sure they have the training and tools to do their jobs effectively. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan bill to strengthen our border checkpoints and help agents keep dangerous criminals and drugs out of our communities.”
The proposed legislation outlines specific provisions for the CPMO, including its establishment within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the selection of an Assistant Chief to manage the office for a minimum two-year term, and the formalization of its authorities, roles, and responsibilities through official memoranda.
Under the CHECKPOINT Act, the CPMO would be tasked with establishing and maintaining policies and standard operating procedures, overseeing data quality and accuracy, providing regular training to Border Patrol sectors with checkpoints, and conducting reviews of staffing and resources. It would also serve as a crucial liaison for ongoing checkpoint issues and coordinate regular reviews of operations, including covert testing.
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The bill also mandates enhanced coordination between the CPMO and various U.S. Customs and Border Protection offices, such as the National Canine Program and the Operational Field Testing Division. Furthermore, it requires the designation of checkpoint points of contact in each Border Patrol sector to facilitate communication and ensure data reliability.
The CHECKPOINT Act demands the regular collection of comprehensive data, including apprehensions, seizures, technology usage, and attempted circumventions at checkpoints. It also addresses recommendations from a 2022 Government Accountability Office report, aiming to improve checkpoint data collection, reliability, and accuracy.
The legislation stipulates annual reports to Congress detailing collected data, implementation progress, and oversight actions. It also calls for a GAO report within 18 months of enactment to analyze the CPMO’s effectiveness and an annual unredacted report from the Secretary of Homeland Security on the purchase and use of surveillance technology by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Notably, the CHECKPOINT Act explicitly states that no additional funds are authorized for its implementation and includes a sunset provision, meaning the Act will cease to have effect five years after its enactment. This bipartisan effort underscores a shared commitment to enhancing border security and equipping law enforcement with the necessary tools to combat evolving threats at the nation’s checkpoints.
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