Bill · S. 5427· Senate(119-S-5427)
Subterranean Border Defense Act
- Introduced
- 9/17/2026
- Last activity
- 9/17/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Rick Scott
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Subterranean Border Defense Act. It was introduced in the Senate by Mr. Scott of Florida on September 17, 2026. The legislation requires annual reports on the implementation of the strategic plan to counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations. Specifically, it amends Section 7134(a)(2) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. It adds the requirement for reports to be made annually after the strategic plan.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The legislation mandates annual reporting on cross-border tunnel strategies, which improves government transparency and accountability.
Does this tighten control of the border?+3
The bill requires annual reports on countering illicit cross-border tunnel operations, thereby enhancing oversight of border security efforts.
Would immigrants be better off under this?+1
The bill focuses strictly on illicit cross-border tunnel reporting without directly penalizing immigrants overall.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Section 2 requires annual reports on the implementation of the strategic plan to counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations. This could be considered positive because it keeps officials accountable by providing regular updates on these operations.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions that identify negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants+1
- 9/17/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Introduced in Senate
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.