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The House passed the Subterranean Border Defense Act (H.R. 495) with near-unanimous support. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to provide annual reports to Congress on its strategy to detect and close illegal cross-border tunnels.
This bill, H.R. 495, targets illegal tunnels used for smuggling drugs and people across the United States border. It mandates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) submit an annual report to Congress detailing its strategic plan, the technologies used to find tunnels, and any gaps in current border security. Currently, these reports are not required on a regular yearly basis, and this bill aims to make the updates a permanent annual requirement. The vote was held under a procedure called "suspension of the rules," which is used for bills that have broad support and are expected to pass easily. This process requires a two-thirds majority to succeed—a higher bar than the usual simple majority—but it speeds up the process by limiting debate and preventing any changes or amendments from being added to the bill on the House floor. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, easily meeting the two-thirds requirement. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration. If signed into law, the bill will increase congressional oversight and ensure that federal agencies are held accountable for their efforts to secure the nation's borders against underground threats.
The measure has been referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for further review.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. Illicit tunnels are a persistent threat used for drug trafficking and human smuggling; this bill ensures that Congress remains informed about technical gaps and agency coordination in real-time.
Who’s affected. Department of Homeland Security: Required to compile and submit detailed annual strategic updates to Congress. · Law Enforcement: May see improved resource allocation or technology as a result of increased congressional oversight.
Democrats. Democrats supported the bill almost unanimously, with only one member voting against it.
Republicans. Republicans supported the measure as part of a broad bipartisan majority.
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Mar 10, 2025
The House passed the Subterranean Border Defense Act (H.R.
495) with near-unanimous support. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to provide annual reports to Congress on its strategy to detect and close illegal cross-border tunnels.
This vote was conducted under a 'suspension of the rules,' a fast-track procedure reserved for bills with broad agreement. It requires a two-thirds supermajority for passage while limiting debate and prohibiting any floor amendments.
The measure has been referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for further review.
Illicit tunnels are a persistent threat used for drug trafficking and human smuggling; this bill ensures that Congress remains informed about technical gaps and agency coordination in real-time.
The bill saw near-universal support from both parties, reflecting a strong bipartisan consensus on increasing border security oversight.
Democrats supported the bill almost unanimously, with only one member voting against it.
Republicans supported the measure as part of a broad bipartisan majority.
The lone independent member voted in favor of the bill.