U.S. doubles offshore customs reach to 24 nautical miles

What it does

This bill extends U.S. customs enforcement authority from 12 nautical miles to 24 nautical miles offshore by amending the Tariff Act of 1930 and the Anti-Smuggling Act to include the U.S. contiguous zone (in addition to the territorial sea). U.S. Customs and Border Protection would gain authority to inspect, search, and seize vessels and cargo in a wider band of ocean, consistent with international law and existing presidential proclamations. The practical effect is that smugglers, illegal importers, and vessels attempting to evade U.S. law would face enforcement risk twice as far from shore.

Why we flagged it

The bill's sole operative function is to extend U.S. customs and anti-smuggling enforcement jurisdiction from 12 to 24 nautical miles offshore, consistent with international law and existing presidential proclamations. It is a straightforward jurisdictional expansion for law enforcement.

What the text implies

• Enforcement authority now extends into the contiguous zone, where U.S. law applies to foreign vessels engaged in smuggling or customs violations, but the bill does not explicitly address how disputes with foreign governments over enforcement in that zone will be handled.
• The bill references Presidential Proclamations 5928 (1988) and 7219 (1999) as the legal basis for the 24 nm limit; if either proclamation is later challenged or modified, the statutory authority granted here may become misaligned with actual U.S. maritime claims.
• Practical effect: U.S. Coast Guard and CBP will have doubled offshore patrol reach, potentially increasing operational costs and personnel demands, though the bill contains no appropriations or authorization of funds.

Section numbers refer to the bill text the analysis read — linked under Primary records below.

Who it affects

Ordinary citizens benefit from stronger border security and reduced smuggling of contraband, drugs, and illegal goods into U.S. ports. The expansion aligns with international law and existing presidential authority, imposing no new restrictions on lawful commerce or citizens' rights—only extending law enforcement reach into waters already recognized as U.S. jurisdiction under international convention.

Named in the bill

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Coast Guard, Tariff Act of 1930, Anti-Smuggling Act, Presidential Proclamation 5928, Presidential Proclamation 7219, House Committee on Ways and Means

Where it stands

28 cosponsors: 24 Republicans, 4 Democrats.

• Feb 12, 2025 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Feb 12, 2025 — Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means · Congress.gov: “Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.