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Panel advances bill to authorize CBP Air and Marine Operations to partner with foreign governments
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Summary
HR 4071 was advanced to authorize Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations to continue and formalize partnerships with foreign governments for training, capacity building and joint operations to counter drug trafficking and human smuggling.
The House Committee on Homeland Security reported HR 4071, the Combating International Drug Trafficking and Human Smuggling Partnership Act of 2025, which would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) to conduct activities in partnership with foreign governments for training, capacity building and joint operations.
Representative Michael Guest, sponsor of the bill, told the committee that AMO “plays a critical role” in interdiction efforts and that partnerships with allied governments increase capacity to interdict narcotics and human-smuggling networks before contraband or people reach U.S. shores. Guest cited AMO enforcement figures for recent periods, saying AMO actions led to “the arrest of more than 1,000 individuals, the apprehension of 48,000 illegal aliens” and the seizure of “over 240,000 pounds of cocaine and over 1,500 weapons.”
Representative Gwen Graham Poe (referred to in committee as Representative Poe) and others described AMO operations as both law-enforcement and humanitarian in partner countries; Poe highlighted agreements that permit training and joint operations and said the bill would provide “greater certainty to our partners through a more enduring authorization.”
Supporters framed the bill as codifying existing partnership activities that Congress has funded through annual appropriations, while opponents did not press amendments during the markup. The committee reported the bill favorably by voice vote; the chair announced “the ayes have it.”
If enacted, the statute change would authorize AMO activities in foreign countries under defined authorities in the Homeland Security Act of 2002; appropriations and operational details would continue to be governed by annual funding and agency policy. Committee debate focused on sustaining partnerships, enhancing regional capacity, and balancing operational and humanitarian missions.
