CONTAINER Act

This bill would let border states put temporary, movable barriers or similar structures on some federal land next to the U.S.–Mexico and U.S.–Canada borders to help secure those areas. They could do this without getting a special federal permit, as long as they give notice 45 days before placement.

These structures could stay in place for up to one year. After that, extensions in 90-day steps must be approved if U.S. Customs and Border Protection says the area is not yet under control. The land covered includes places managed by agencies such as national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, and other federal lands near the borders.

• Who is affected: Border states and communities along the northern and southern borders; federal land managers; U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
• Where it applies: Certain federal lands near the U.S.–Canada and U.S.–Mexico borders.
• What changes: States can place temporary, movable structures without a special federal permit if they provide 45 days’ notice.
• How long: Up to one year, with 90‑day extensions if border control is still not achieved.