H.R. 998 would authorize Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the Department of Homeland Security to establish preclearance (inspection) stations in foreign countries. CBP currently operates preclearance facilities in about 15 locations, mostly in Canada. The bill would require the agency to notify the Congress before establishing preclearance stations in countries that currently have none. H.R. 998 also would specify policies and requirements to ensure that security screening performed at foreign airports engaged in preclearance operations meet U.S. standards.
CBP anticipates opening new preclearance stations over the next several years and can do so under current law; thus, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would not significantly affect federal spending. CBO also estimates that implementing the bill’s requirements related to aviation security would not significantly affect federal costs. Enacting the legislation would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.
H.R. 998 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal governments.
