Border security

House Passes Anti-Border Corruption Reauthorization Act Of 2017

The Anti-Border Corruption Reauthorization Act of 2017 (HR 2213), introduced by Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee Chairwoman Martha McSally (R-AZ), which would give the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner limited discretion to waive required pre-employment polygraphs for candidates already thoroughly vetted was passed passed by the House.

Specifically, the waivers would apply to candidates who have served as law enforcement officers or former members of the armed services and have held a recent security clearance.

McSally said in a statement that CBP “continues to struggle to recruit and vet employees. The lengthy process involved with a pre-employment polygraph requirement slows the hiring process considerably. As a result, manpower at our border is critically understaffed.”

House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mike McCaul (R-TX), said, “Our national security depends on ensuring there are the right number of well-trained agents and officers on our front lines. This commonsense, bipartisan solution expedites the hiring process for those who have previously taken an oath and put their lives on the line for our country, allowing CBP to more effectively carry out their mission of safeguarding America's borders and ports of entry.”