This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to submit annual reports on implementation of its strategic plan to counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations. Current law only requires a one-time report within one year of plan development. The recurring reporting ensures ongoing congressional oversight of CBPs tunnel detection and interdiction efforts along the U.S. border.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to submit annual reports on implementation of its strategic plan to counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations. Current law only requires a one-time report within one year of plan development. The recurring reporting ensures ongoing congressional oversight of CBPs tunnel detection and interdiction efforts along the U.S. border.
Last updated: 1/4/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Subterranean Border Defense Act</strong></p><p>This bill requires recurring annual reporting by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the implementation of a strategic plan to counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations. Currently, CBP is only required to report once no later than one year after the plan's development. </p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Mandates annual CBP reporting on tunnel countermeasures
Expands current one-time reporting requirement
Covers strategic plan implementation
Addresses illicit cross-border tunnel operations
Provides ongoing congressional oversight
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Cross-border tunnels are used to smuggle drugs, weapons, and people. This bill ensures Congress receives regular updates on CBPs efforts to detect and neutralize these underground passages. Annual reporting allows oversight of technology deployment, staffing, and coordination with Mexican authorities. The recurring requirement acknowledges that tunnel threats evolve and require sustained attention.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Immigration
Related Subjects
Border security and unlawful immigration
Government information and archives
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
495, 119th Congress (2025). "Subterranean Border Defense Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-495