Sponsors (5)
The bill channels fees into a Trust Fund to speed and expand modernization of land ports—potentially improving trade and border processing—but does so by adding flat surcharges and redirecting existing fees, which raises costs for travelers and could reduce funding for other programs unless Congress offsets those shifts.
Border communities, commercial shippers, and small businesses will get improved processing capacity and shorter wait times from construction and modernization of land ports of entry.
Businesses that rely on timely cross-border transport (and the broader supply chain) should see smoother trade flow and potentially faster revenue collection due to modernized inspection technology and additional CBP staff.
State and local governments can move projects forward more predictably because the bill dedicates fee transfers into a Trust Fund that is available for appropriation-backed use, reducing some delays tied to annual appropriations timing.
Many travelers and immigrant applicants will face new surcharges (e.g., $40 immigrant, $6 land‑border inspection, $20 visa), raising the cost of travel and immigration filings for a large number of people.
Redirecting portions of existing user fees and the Merchandise Processing Fee (up to about $1.6 billion) to this Trust Fund reduces funds available for other programs currently financed by those fees unless Congress provides offsets.
Although fees are dedicated to the Trust Fund, actual construction and modernization still require advance appropriations, so promised improvements could be delayed or limited by future congressional appropriations decisions.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a Treasury trust fund, funded by specified fee transfers starting in FY2026, to finance construction, upgrades, technology, and staffing for U.S. land ports of entry, subject to appropriations.
Introduced February 13, 2025 by Henry Cuellar · Last progress February 13, 2025
Creates a Land Port of Entry Modernization Trust Fund in the Treasury to pay for building, upgrading, and equipping U.S. land ports of entry and related cargo/commercial inspection facilities. The Fund will be financed by specified transfers of existing customs and immigration-related fees starting in fiscal year 2026, may be invested in U.S. obligations with interest credited back, and requires advance appropriation before money can be spent. Direct uses include construction of new land ports, major repairs and upgrades, technology and equipment purchases, and hiring customs/agricultural officers and related staff to support trade and revenue missions. The Secretary must consult with federal partners, state/local/tribal governments and relevant stakeholders and coordinate planning with an established Board and regional bi‑national transportation plans.