Bill Overview
Title: To require the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish procedures for conducting maintenance and repair projects at ports of entry at which the Office of Field Operations conducts certain enforcement activities, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill directs U.S. Customs Border and Protection to establish procedures for performing repairs and maintenance projects below a certain cost threshold at federally owned ports of entry where certain activities are conducted, such as entry inspections and activities to prevent the entry of illicit drugs, agricultural pests, and contraband.
Sponsors: Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by port entry operations and maintenance
Estimated Size: 10000000
- Ports of entry are crucial for international trade and travel, impacting a global audience.
- Maintenance and repair activities at ports of entry will directly impact those who work at these facilities, including customs and border protection officers.
- Travelers and visitors entering and exiting the United States will be impacted by the efficiency and effectiveness of port operations.
- The legislation can also impact industries reliant on imports and exports that pass through these ports, including shipping and logistics companies.
Reasoning
- Ports of entry are critical infrastructure for international trade and travel with global significance.
- Repairs and maintenance can ensure smoother operations, reducing wait times and improving security at these points.
- Policy may have a direct impact on customs and border protection officers by improving working conditions and efficiency.
- Indirect impacts might affect nearby residents due to changes in traffic flow or security levels, impacting local businesses.
- Travelers may experience changes in waiting times and processing efficiency, which could influence their wellbeing.
- The policy may positively impact logistics and shipping industries by ensuring minimal delays caused by infrastructure issues.
Simulated Interviews
Customs Officer (San Diego, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The facilities at the port often need repairs, which can slow down operations.
- I believe this policy will make my work environment safer and more efficient.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Logistics Manager (Buffalo, NY)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved maintenance at ports will reduce delays, which are costly for us.
- A smoother operation can increase my company's competitiveness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
International Traveler (Houston, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Long waits at passport control can be exhausting.
- Efficient ports mean less travel stress and more on-time business meetings.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Small Business Owner (El Paso, TX)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved port operations might bring more foot traffic to my café.
- If repairs disrupt traffic, it could hurt my business temporarily.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Port Engineer (Miami, FL)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy enables more efficient allocation of resources for maintenance.
- It would ensure fewer disruptions and improve operations flow.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Student (Nogales, AZ)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Faster processing times at the border would help me manage my schedules better.
- Safe and well-maintained ports reassure my parents about my travel.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Factory Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any reduction in port delay directly impacts our production schedule.
- Increased efficiency will protect my job and company futures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Security Consultant (Seattle, WA)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better-maintained ports mean upgrades are easier to implement efficiently.
- Security systems can be crucially supported by this infrastructure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
College Student (New York, NY)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Being close to well-maintained ports would make international travel simpler.
- I haven't experienced problems yet but I appreciate improvements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Shipping Coordinator (Tacoma, WA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ensuring port operations are smooth aids my job performance significantly.
- Coordination problems often arise from maintenance delays.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $120000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $150000000)
Year 2: $125000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $155000000)
Year 3: $130000000 (Low: $105000000, High: $160000000)
Year 5: $140000000 (Low: $110000000, High: $170000000)
Year 10: $150000000 (Low: $115000000, High: $175000000)
Year 100: $160000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $180000000)
Key Considerations
- Timeliness and thoroughness in implementing maintenance procedures can critically influence costs and savings.
- The bill's success heavily relies on the effectiveness and efficiency of procedures established by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- Coordination with other federal and state agencies might be required, influencing cost, efficiency, and effectiveness.