Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) has reintroduced legislation improving the safety and security of federal land at the southern border in terms of defense and ecological sustainability.
Named the "Federal Lands Amplified Security for the Homeland" (FLASH) Act, Rep. Ciscomani's bill authorizes funding for the construction of navigable roads along the border, allows states such as Arizona to place temporary barriers on federal land, and requires federal managers to address pollution along the border harming the environment.
In his press release, Rep. Ciscomani said, "Under the previous administration, the crisis at the southern border made our communities less safe and degraded the environment of our federal lands. Republicans are committed to continue working to reverse course and deliver on our promise to the American people to secure the border and protect our communities. My bill will enhance Border Patrol's ability to do their job, clean up hazardous trash piles harming our environment, empower states to secure their border, and safeguard taxpayer dollars."
Representative Bruce Westerman (R-AR), the bill's cosponsor, added, "In the last four years, America's southern border suffered a sustained security, environmental and humanitarian disaster. We've seen our federal lands pay the price of illegal immigration as trash piled up and wildlife habitats deteriorated. Mr. Ciscomani's bill addresses this problem head-on, providing critical resources to Border Patrol agents and our public lands while fulfilling President Trump's promise to secure our border against violent, destructive threats."
The FLASH Act marks Rep. Ciscomani's latest border security bill introduced since the 119th Congress began in January when he reintroduced the "Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination" Act, which stiffens penalties for crimes related to acting as a spotter for the Mexican drug cartels.
Shortly after, the Arizona Congressman introduced the Advanced Border Coordination Act, which creates two Joint Operation Centers that would allow State, Federal, and Tribal law enforcement agencies to better coordinate along the border to deter illegal crossings and catch criminals, share intelligence, and support workforce development and training coordination.
In mid-February, his Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act passed the House a second time, which toughens penalties for refusing to yield a vehicle while being chased by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and other law enforcement into a federal crime. Additionally, killing someone during the apprehension would be a life sentence.
Finally, at the end of February, Ciscomani reintroduced the "Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade" (BEST) Facilitation Act, expediting cargo screenings at ports of entry along the border to improve crackdowns on illegal contraband entering the country.
