Bill · H.R. 506· House(119-HR-506)
Security First Act
- Introduced
- 1/16/2025
- Last activity
- 1/16/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
- Sponsored by
- Tony Gonzales
- Cosponsors
- - 15 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Security First Act aims to increase border security through several new requirements and funding authorizations. It authorizes significant funding for the Operation Stonegarden grant program and the procurement of new border technology. The bill requires the Secretary of State to assess whether certain Mexican drug cartels and the Tren De Aragua gang should be designated as foreign terrorist organizations. Additionally, it mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security conduct a comprehensive technology needs analysis for the Southwest border. The legislation also requires a report on the Department's hiring practices from 2018 to 2024.
Yes
Does this tighten control of the border?+8
The bill authorizes significant funding for Operation Stonegarden and new border surveillance technology.
Would business owners be better off under this?+1
Increased border security and trade facilitation may marginally benefit business owners through more stable trade flows.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+1
The bill provides funding and technological focus to border regions which often include rural areas.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this give people more control over their personal data?-2
The bill requires consideration of privacy implications for new surveillance technologies, implying a potential risk to privacy.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-2
The expansion of surveillance technology and infrastructure may negatively impact privacy rights.
Would people in cities be better off under this?-1
The bill does not directly address urban resident needs, focusing instead on border regions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Border Security Resources: The bill authorizes $110,000,000 annually for the Operation Stonegarden grant program and at least $36,666,666 annually for technology and equipment (Section 3(a)). This provides resources to secure borders and protect the homeland.
-
Improved Technology and Surveillance: By requiring a technology needs analysis, the bill looks to identify gaps in surveillance, such as drone technology, sensors, and nonintrusive inspection technology (Section 5(b)). This aims to prevent terrorists from entering the U.S. and reduce criminal activity like human smuggling and drug transport (Section 5(b)(1)).
-
Enhanced Safety for Personnel: The technology analysis is required to consider whether new advancements will enhance the safety of officers and agents of the Department or any other Federal agency (Section 5(b)(4)).
-
Improved Search and Rescue: The technology needs analysis includes consideration for the Department's ability to assist with search and rescue efforts for individuals in physical danger or needing medical assistance (Section 5(d)(11)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Privacy Risks: The bill acknowledges that the acquisition and deployment of new technologies and supporting infrastructure includes privacy implications that must be considered (Section 5(d)(9)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+8
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+1Good For Rural Residents+1Good For Urban Residents-1
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits-1
- 1/22/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/16/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
- 14 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Brian BabinRepublican · Texas
Dan CrenshawRepublican · Texas
Juan CiscomaniRepublican · Arizona
Monica De La CruzRepublican · Texas
Gabe EvansRepublican · Colorado
Randy FeenstraRepublican · Iowa
Clay HigginsRepublican · Louisiana
Ashley HinsonRepublican · Iowa
Young KimRepublican · California
Thomas KeanRepublican · New Jersey
James MoylanRepublican · Guam
John RutherfordRepublican · Florida
Maria SalazarRepublican · Florida
David ValadaoRepublican · California
Randy WeberRepublican · Texas