2015: Schweikert Was Absent During A Vote On Formally Creating The U.S. Customs And Border Protection In Statute As Part Of A Customs And Implementing An Automated Process For Imports And Exports In A Customs And Trade Enforcement Bill. In December 2015, Schweikert missed a vote on legislation that formally established the CBP in statute as part of a customs and trade enforcement bill. According to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would have "formally establish[ed] U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in statute and authorizing the implementation of an automated system for CBP to process imports and exports." The underlying legislation was a conference report that would have "formally establish[ed] the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and authorize[d] the CBP to use an automated import-export processing system [...] strengthen[ed] enforcement of intellectual property rights and [...] would [have] permanently ban[ned] state and local taxation of Internet access and ends grandfathered Internet access taxation in seven states." The vote was on the conference report. The House passed the legislation by a vote of 256 to 158. The Senate then passed the bill, which was signed into law by the president. [House Vote 693, 12/11/15; Congressional Quarterly, 12/11/15; Congressional Quarterly, 12/10/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 644]
2015: Schweikert Voted To Formally Create The U.S. Customs And Border Protection In Statute And Implemented An Automated Process For Imports And Exports As Part Of Trade Enforcement Legislation. In December 2015, Schweikert voted for legislation that according to Congressional Quarterly, "formally establishe[d] U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in statute and authorize[d] its commissioner, deputy commissioner and CBP operational offices." The underlying legislation "require[d] semiannual currency reports on nations that are major U.S. trading partners and would direct the administration to take specific steps if it finds that a country is manipulating its currency; and would [have] amend[ed] a Trade Promotion Authority bill (to take effect as if included in enactment) to include additional trade negotiating objectives, including that trade agreements not include provisions on immigration or climate change." The vote was on a motion to concur with the Senate amendments with an amendment. The House agreed to the amendment by a vote of 240 to 190. The House and Senate later conferenced, and a final version of the bill, with some similar provisions, was signed into law. [House Vote 363, 6/12/15; Congressional Quarterly, 6/11/15; Congressional Quarterly, 6/12/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 644]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Maintain A Minimum Of 22,000 Custom And Border Protection Agents And Authorize $100 Million For Agent Retention Bonuses. In May 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the Secure The Border Act, which, "To bolster operations and capacity of Customs and Border Protection, the bill would require CBP to maintain at least 22,000 full-time agents by Sept. 30, 2025, and authorize up to $100 million for agent retention bonuses." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 219 to 213, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 209, 5/11/23; Congressional Quarterly, 5/11/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2]
The Bill Would Authorize $110 Million Annually Through FY 2028 For Grants To Law Enforcement Agencies In Border States To Help With Customs And Border Protection. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would authorize $110 million annually through fiscal 2028 for new DHS grants to law enforcement agencies in border states to assist with CBP operations." [Congressional Quarterly, 5/11/23]
The Bill Would Allow Funding For CBP To Upgrade License Plate Readers And Install Surveillance Systems At The Northern And Southern Borders. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would authorize funding for CBP to upgrade license plate readers and install cameras, microphones, and surveillance and intrusion detection systems at the northern and southern borders." [Congressional Quarterly, 5/11/23]
The Bill Would Mandate CBP To Establish A Strategic Plan To Bolster Border Security, Including Gaps Between Ports Of Entry, Staffing Needs And Data Sharing. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would require CBP to issue and regularly update a strategic plan to enhance U.S. border security, including to address security gaps between ports of entry, staffing requirements and information sharing." [Congressional Quarterly, 5/11/23]
The Bill Would Require DHS To Ensure CBP Air And Marine Operations Carry Out A Minimum Of 110K Flight Hours Yearly And Operate Unmanned Aircraft Systems Over The U.S.-Mexico Border 24 Hours A Day. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would require DHS to ensure that the CBP Air and Marine Operations carries out at least 110,000 flight hours annually and operates unmanned aircraft systems over the southern border 24 hours per day." [Congressional Quarterly, 5/11/23]
The Bill Would Resume The Border Wall Construction, Raise Funding For Border Agents And Upgrade Border Equipment, Re-Implement The "Remain In Mexico Policy," Create New Restrictions On Asylum-Seeking, And Enhance E-Verify. According to CNN, "The bill would restart construction of a border wall, increase funding for border agents and upgraded border technology, reinstate the 'remain in Mexico' policy, place new restrictions on asylum seekers, and enhance requirements for E-verify, a database employers use to verify immigration status." [CNN, 5/11/23]
2017: Schweikert Voted To Exempt Some Veterans And Law Enforcement Officers Applying For Customs And Border Protection Law Enforcement Positions From Undergoing A Polygraph For. In June 2017, Schweikert voted to allow the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner to waive a requirement that certain applicants undergo a polygraph. According to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would have "authorize[d] the commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to waive the requirement that applicants for law enforcement positions at CBP undergo polygraph examinations for specific groups of applicants. Certain veterans and law enforcement officers who have already passed a polygraph examination or stringent background investigation could [have] be[en] exempt from the polygraph requirement." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 282 to 137. The Senate took no substantive action on the legislation. [House Vote 294, 6/7/17; Congressional Quarterly, 6/7/17; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2213]
2019: Schweikert Voted Against Establishing Standards Of Care For Migrants In The Custody Of U.S. Customs And Border Protection. In July 2019, Schweikert voted against a bill that would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish and implement standards of care for migrants in CBP custody. It would require CBP, in coordination with the Health and Human Services Department, to develop guidelines and protocols for the provision of health screenings and appropriate medical care. Among other requirements, it would require that all detainees receive initial in-person screenings by a licensed medical professional and require that such screenings occur within 6 hours of arrival at a facility for children, elderly individuals, and individuals who are pregnant or have severe disabilities or illnesses. It would require CBP to provide over-the-counter medications; private, safe, and clean restrooms, diaper changing facilities, and personal hygiene products; interpretation services for all detainees; facilities maintained at a reasonable temperature; and at least one gallon of water and three meals per day for each detainee. It would require CBP personnel to receive humanitarian response training, including with regard to reporting and identifying sexual abuse and exploitation. It would also require the Homeland Security Department inspector general to inspect CBP facilities and ports of entry, including to assess compliance with the bill's provisions." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 233-195. The bill was never taken up in the Senate. [House Vote 507, 7/24/19; Congressional Quarterly, 7/24/19; Congressional Actions, H.R.3239]