Rep. Gonzales Advances Legislation to Improve Land Ports of Entry

Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) advanced H.R. 8150, the Reducing Excessive Vetting Authorities to Maintain our Ports (REVAMP) Act, through the House Committee on Homeland Security.

This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would streamline the process of conducting repairs and maintenance projects at land ports of entry (LPOEs) along our southern and northern border. Specifically, it provides Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with greater authority to directly conduct these improvements without the involvement of the General Services Administration (GSA). This legislation would help improve the physical condition and operation of our international bridges. It would also address the growing backlog of repairs needed at federal facilities while freeing up the GSA to focus its efforts on major projects. 

“Land Ports of Entry are not only critical to border communities, but they also bring in billions of dollars worth of trade to our economy. That is why our international bridges must be kept in the best shape possible. Currently, there is a backlog of maintenance and repairs to be conducted at these ports of entry—this bill would cut that red tape and streamline the process. H.R. 8150 [the REVAMP Act] is simple. It would provide CBP with the authority it needs to further address urgent maintenance projects more swiftly,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales during the Homeland Committee markup.

Background:

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the General Services Administration (GSA) work closely to design, construct, and maintain LPOEs. However, under current law, CBP is only authorized to conduct repairs at LPOEs without authorization from the GSA if the project is valued at less than $100,000. Congressman Gonzales' legislation would raise this threshold to $300,000 and direct that amount to be tied to inflation. In addition, the bill requires the Commissioner of CBP, in consultation with the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), to establish procedures for undertaking such projects.

U.S. Reps. Lou Correa (CA-46), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), and Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) are original cosponsors of the REVAMP Act.

Congressman Gonzales represents the largest border district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Texas' 23rd Congressional District spans 823 miles of the Texas-Mexico border and includes Eagle Pass, Del Rio, and El Paso.

For bill text, click here.