Bill · H.R. 992· House(119-HR-992)
PATROL Act
- Introduced
- 2/5/2025
- Last activity
- 2/5/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Cloud
- Cosponsors
- - 19 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Preventing Aliens Through Rivers or Land Act" or the "PATROL Act," aims to restrict the Department of Justice's power. It prohibits the Attorney General from bringing or maintaining civil actions against a State under sections 9 or 10 of the Act of March 3, 1899. This restriction specifically applies to State measures involving the construction or installation of barriers along international borders. These barriers are intended to prevent aliens from entering the State in violation of immigration laws or to protect the State's territory.
Yes
Does this leave more decisions to the states?+7
The bill expands state autonomy regarding border security by limiting federal judicial oversight.
Does this tighten control of the border?+5
The bill facilitates state-led border security by preventing federal civil actions against state-built barriers.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Would immigrants be better off under this?-5
The bill limits legal avenues to challenge state-led border barriers, which may negatively impact immigrant rights and safety.
Does this give the federal government more power?-5
The bill specifically curtails the Department of Justice's ability to act against state authority.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-3
Restricting legal challenges to physical barriers may reduce oversight of environmental impacts caused by state border measures.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- State Border Security: Under Section 2(a), States are empowered to build or install physical structures like walls, fences, or floating buoys to prevent illegal entry or protect their territory without the threat of a civil action from the Department of Justice.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restriction of Legal Recourse: According to Section 2(a), the Attorney General is prohibited from bringing or maintaining existing civil actions under certain sections of the Act of March 3, 1899, which may impact the ability to challenge specific State border security measures.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants-5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+7Increases Federal Power-5Improves Due Process-3
- 2/27/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/12/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/7/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/6/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/5/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 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 Highways and Transit.
- 15 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Brian BabinRepublican · Texas
Andy BiggsRepublican · Arizona
Josh BrecheenRepublican · Oklahoma
Sheri BiggsRepublican · South Carolina
Dan CrenshawRepublican · Texas
Byron DonaldsRepublican · Florida
Troy DowningRepublican · Montana
Chuck EdwardsRepublican · North Carolina
Gabe EvansRepublican · Colorado
Virginia FoxxRepublican · North Carolina
Paul GosarRepublican · Arizona
Andy HarrisRepublican · Maryland
Nancy MaceRepublican · South Carolina
Troy NehlsRepublican · Texas
David RouzerRepublican · North Carolina
Keith SelfRepublican · Texas
Derek SchmidtRepublican · Kansas
Beth Van DuyneRepublican · Texas
Daniel WebsterRepublican · Florida