Palm Coast Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan, bicameral Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Water Act, introduced by U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz (FL-06), to secure U.S. coastal borders, including Florida’s, from drug and human trafficking. The bill was also introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL).

"We cannot leave Florida’s coastline wide-open like the Biden administration has our southern border," said Rep. Waltz. "We must protect Floridians and all Americans by securing our country’s borders, especially as the situation in Haiti worsens."

“The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO) keep families in Florida and around our nation safe by patrolling beaches, shore waters and maritime territory, and fighting to stop drug and human trafficking," said Senator Scott. "Our bill, the Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act, will extend the United States’ customs waters territory to help ensure our Coast Guard and CBP AMO has the jurisdiction and authority needed to stop drug and human trafficking so that families everywhere remain safe."

Senator Scott expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support of the bill, stating, "I am thankful for the bipartisan support of this important bill I am glad to see it pass the House of Representatives." He urged the Senate to act swiftly in passing the bill and sending it to the President’s desk for his signature.

CBP AMO also issued a public statement of support for the bill last month.