118 HR 8275 IH: Border Security and Blockchain Technology Act U.S. House of Representatives 2024-05-07 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I 118th CONGRESS2d Session H. R. 8275 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 7, 2024 Ms. Mace (for herself and Mr. Donalds) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security A BILL To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a public blockchain-based system to securely store and share data related to border security, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Border Security and Blockchain Technology Act.

2.

Blockchain technology for border apprehensions

(a)

Implementation

(1)

In general

Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall select a public blockchain platform that meets the agency’s needs and requirements, as set forth in the agency’s budgets for fiscal year 2017–2021. (2)

Smart contracts

The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection may develop smart contracts that may be used to securely store and share data related to border security. (3)

Integration

The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall integrate existing systems, such as biometric data and travel documents, with the public blockchain platform selected under paragraph (1). (4)

Data verification and integrity

The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall utilize blockchain technology to ensure the integrity and immutability of data related to border security operations, including biometric data, visa information, and customs documentation. (5)

Enhanced interoperability

The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall facilitate secure and efficient data exchange and interoperability between various Federal and international border control and immigration agencies, leveraging blockchain’s decentralized nature to enhance collaboration without compromising data security. (6)

Data input

The platform shall be designed to input data in real-time from all relevant Federal Government agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (7)

Applications

The public blockchain platform shall be utilized for the following applications to enhance border security operations: (A)

Documentation Verification

The platform shall be utilized to securely verify the authenticity of travel and identity documents in real time, reducing fraud and streamlining the entry process. (B)

Supply Chain Security

The platform shall be utilized to improve the tracking and management of goods through customs, enhancing transparency and efficiency in trade and commerce. (C)

Personnel Management

The platform shall be utilized to manage border control personnel deployment and operations securely and efficiently. (D)

Real-Time Data Sharing

The platform shall be utilized to enable secure and instant data sharing among border control agencies, law enforcement, and other relevant government entities to enhance situational awareness and response times. (8)

Objectives

The implementation of the public blockchain platform aims to achieve the following objectives: (A)

Enhanced Security

The platform shall trengthen the security of border operations by leveraging blockchain’s immutable and encrypted record-keeping capabilities. (B)

Improved Efficiency

The platform shall streamline border control processes through faster verification procedures and reduced manual data entry. (C)

Increased Transparency

The platform shall provide a transparent and tamper-proof system for the management and oversight of border security operations. (D)

Interagency Collaboration

The platform shall facilitate a higher degree of collaboration and data sharing among Federal agencies involved in border security. (b)

Oversight and evaluation

The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall establish a system for oversight and evaluation of the implementation of public blockchain technology in border security, including the appointment of a project manager, regular reports to the relevant authorities and an independent evaluation of the project. (c)

Security

The platform shall be designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of sensitive information. (d)

Report to Congress

(1)

In general

Not later than six months after the selection of a public blockchain platform under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to Congress a report on the implementation of the platform, including a description of the platform’s capabilities and any challenges encountered during implementation. (2)

Annual report

Not later than one year after the submission of the report required under paragraph (1) and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to Congress a report on the ongoing operation and maintenance of the platform. (e)

Definitions

In this section: (1)

Blockchain

The term blockchain means a distributed ledger technology that uses cryptography to secure and validate transactions and data. (2)

Border apprehensions

The term border apprehensions means the arrest and detainment of individuals by Federal law enforcement officials for immigration violations at or near the United States border. (3)

Border control agencies

The term border control agencies means U.S. Customs and Border Protection and any other Government agencies the Secretary of Homeland Security determines is involved in border security. (4)

Smart contract

The term smart contract means a self-executing contract with the terms of the agreement written into lines of code.