Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Rick Scott (R-FL) are reintroducing a bipartisan bill improving border checkpoint operations to fight the flow of fentanyl smuggled into the United States.
Specifically, the Continuing High-Quality Evaluations of Concerning and Known Persons of Interest through National Training Updates (CHECKPOINT) Act formally codifies the Checkpoint Program Management Office, which enhances agent training and monitors performance, interagency coordination, and data collection.
Additionally, the collected drug seizure category data and training regimens must be regularly updated to keep pace with the various methods by which lawbreakers attempt to continue their activities.
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"Fentanyl is pouring across our border and poisoning Arizona communities. 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," said Sen. Gallego in his press release, adding, "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."
Similarly, Sen. Scott said, "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."
"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," Sen. Scott continued, adding, "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."
The Florida Senator had previously introduced the bill in July 2023 with former Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), and its reintroduction marks the first instance of Scott and Gallego working in a bipartisan manner.
