United States 116th Congress Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 2 R · 2 D cosponsors

HR 3377 — Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program Authorization Act of 2019

Last action — Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations.

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 116th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program Authorization Act of 2019 This bill provides statutory authority for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program (BITMAP). That program was established to address and reduce national security, border security, and terrorist threats before such threats reach the international border of the United States. Before carrying out BITMAP operations in a foreign country, DHS must enter into an agreement with the government of such country that sets forth program goals for such country and must provide the congressional homeland security committees with a copy of the agreement.

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

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Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill introduces a new program for biometric identification and migration alerts within the Department of Homeland Security.

  • 6 U.S.C. § 251

    SEC. 447. BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION TRANSNATIONAL MIGRATION ALERT PROGRAM.

    A new section is added to establish the Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program.

  • 6 U.S.C. § 251

    There is established in the Department a program to be known as the 'Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program' (referred to in this section as 'BITMAP') to address and reduce national security, border security, and terrorist threats before such threats reach the international border of the United States.

    Describes the purpose of the new BITMAP program.

  • 6 U.S.C. § 251

    The Secretary, acting through the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, shall coordinate… to identify those nationals who may pose a terrorist threat or a threat to national security or border security;

    Establishes duties for the Secretary regarding coordination and information sharing with other agencies.

  • 6 U.S.C. § 251

    provide capabilities, including training and equipment, to partner countries to voluntarily collect biometric and biographic identification data from individuals to identify, prevent, detect, and interdict high risk individuals identified as national security, border security, or terrorist threats who may attempt to enter the United States utilizing illicit pathways;

    Mandates the Secretary to equip foreign countries to collect biometric data for security purposes.

  • 6 U.S.C. § 251

    ensure biometric and biographic identification data collected pursuant to BITMAP are incorporated into appropriate United States Government databases, in compliance with the policies and procedures established by the Privacy Officer appointed under section 222.

    Requires integration of biometric data into U.S. databases while maintaining privacy standards.

  • 6 U.S.C. § 251

    The Secretary shall ensure that any biometric and biographic identification data of United States citizens that is captured by BITMAP operations is expunged from all databases to which such data was uploaded, unless such data is retained for specific law enforcement or intelligence purposes.

    Mandates the expungement of U.S. citizens' biometric data collected under BITMAP unless needed for law enforcement.

  • 6 U.S.C. § 251

    Not later than 180 days after the date on which BITMAP is established and annually thereafter for the following five years, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit a report…

    Imposes reporting requirements on the Secretary regarding BITMAP operations and progress.

  • 6 U.S.C. § 251

    Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act and every three years thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an audit that analyzes the effectiveness of BITMAP operations;

    Establishes a requirement for regular audits of BITMAP effectiveness.

  • 6 U.S.C. § 251

    Section 447 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as added by subsection (a), shall be repealed on the date that is six years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

    Imposes a sunset provision, leading to the repeal of BITMAP after six years.

  • 6 U.S.C. § 251

    The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 446 the following new item: 'Sec. 447. Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program.'

    Updates the table of contents of the Homeland Security Act to include the new BITMAP section.

Action History

  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations.

  2. Introduced in House

  3. Introduced in House

  4. Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 3 co-sponsors · 543 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (3)

Not signed on (543)

543 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Subjects

public-safety immigration technology
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Frequently asked questions

What does HR 3377 do?
Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program Authorization Act of 2019 This bill provides statutory authority for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program (BITMAP). That program was established to address and reduce national security, border security, and terrorist threats before such threats reach the international border of the United States. Before carrying out BITMAP operations in a foreign country, DHS must enter into an agreement with the government of such country that sets forth program goals for such country and must provide the congressional homeland security committees with a copy of the agreement.
Who sponsors HR 3377?
HR 3377 is sponsored by Cuellar, Henry (Democratic), Rogers, Mike D. (Republican), Keating, William R. (Democratic), and McCaul, Michael T. (Republican).
What is the current status of HR 3377?
This bill died with 116th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HR 3377?
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