Bill · S. 578· Senate(119-S-578)
BEST Facilitation Act
- Introduced
- 2/13/2025
- Last activity
- 2/13/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- James Lankford
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes a pilot program for image technician positions within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations. The program introduces two levels of technicians to review non-intrusive inspection images of conveyances and containers at various ports of entry. These technicians will work from five regional command centers to identify potential contraband, such as drugs or weapons, and persons seeking unlawful entry or exit. Image Technician 2 roles also involve receiving and reporting intelligence regarding tactics used by malign actors. All technicians are to be supervised by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer. This pilot program is scheduled to expire five years after enactment.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this tighten control of the border?+7
The bill enhances detection of contraband and unlawful entry through specialized image technician positions.
Is this likely to create jobs?+5
The bill establishes new Image Technician positions within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+3
The bill mandates specific training for technicians on respecting privacy and Fourth Amendment protections.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Detection of Illicit Items: Image technicians are tasked with reviewing images to identify anomalies that could indicate the presence of contraband, such as illicit drugs or terrorist weapons, or persons attempting to unlawfully enter or exit the United States (Section 2(a)(6)(A)(iii) and (B)(iii)).
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Improved Intelligence Sharing: Image Technician 2 positions are responsible for receiving intelligence from the National Targeting Center and reporting new information regarding tactics used by malign actors (Section 2(a)(6)(B)(iii)).
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Protection of Civil Rights: The bill mandates annual and ad hoc training for technicians that specifically includes respecting privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties, including protections against unreasonable searches and seizures under the First and Fourth Amendments (Section 2(a)(6)(D)(i)).
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Job Security for Program Participants: If the pilot program terminates, individuals in these technician positions are authorized to transfer to comparable positions within U.S. Customs and Border Protection or the Department of Homeland Security (Section 2(b)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Limited Authority: While technicians provide recommendations, they do not have the final decision-making authority to release or refer cargo; that power remains with the Supervisory U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer (Section 2(a)(6)(C)(ii)).
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+7Improves Disability Rights+1
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Union Workers+2Good For Low Income Households+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- 3/25/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/13/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
John CornynRepublican · Texas
Mark KellyDemocrat · Arizona
Raphael WarnockDemocrat · Georgia