Overview
Title
An Act To extend the customs waters of the United States from 12 nautical miles to 24 nautical miles from the baselines of the United States, consistent with Presidential Proclamation 7219.
ELI5 AI
The government wants to make a bigger area of the ocean around the United States, called customs waters, where they can check for things that people are bringing into the country, like goods on ships. This area used to be 12 miles from the coast, but now they want it to be 24 miles, so they can keep it safe and make sure everything follows the rules.
Summary AI
H. R. 529 aims to extend the boundary of the United States' customs waters from the current 12 nautical miles to 24 nautical miles as measured from the baselines of the United States. This change is in line with Presidential Proclamation 7219. The bill updates sections of both the Tariff Act of 1930 and the Anti-Smuggling Act to reflect these new boundaries, ensuring they comply with international law. The changes will take effect the day after the bill is enacted.
Published
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Bill Statistics
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Complexity
AnalysisAI
Overview of the Bill
The bill, titled the "Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act," seeks to expand the customs waters of the United States from 12 nautical miles to 24 nautical miles from the baseline. This adjustment aligns with two Presidential Proclamations, specifically Proclamation 5928 from 1988 and Proclamation 7219 from 1999. These changes aim to update the language in the Tariff Act of 1930 and the Anti-Smuggling Act to reflect this new territorial scope. Upon enactment, the changes will become effective the following day.
Significant Issues
One of the primary issues with this bill is its complexity and reliance on legalistic language, which can be challenging for individuals without a legal background to understand. The bill references Presidential Proclamations without providing summaries of these documents, requiring individuals to independently seek out and interpret these proclamations to fully grasp the legislation's implications.
Moreover, the bill's effective date hinges on its enactment, potentially leading to uncertainty regarding when the expanded jurisdiction will take effect. This ambiguity could affect governmental and commercial entities that operate or monitor activities within these expanded waters.
Potential Impacts on the Public
For the general public, the expansion of U.S. customs waters could offer enhanced security and stronger enforcement capabilities regarding illegal activities such as smuggling. While the bill’s direct impact on everyday life may be minimal, its implications for national security and law enforcement could be significant.
Internationally, this expansion might result in diplomatic discourse, as it represents a notable change in U.S. jurisdictional claims. It is crucial to consider how this alteration aligns with international maritime laws and the interests of other nations.
Impacts on Specific Stakeholders
Government Agencies: Agencies involved in maritime security and customs enforcement, such as the U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection, could experience an increase in their operational jurisdiction. This expansion might necessitate additional resources and coordination efforts to effectively manage the larger area.
Fishermen and Maritime Businesses: Stakeholders like commercial fishermen and maritime businesses operating near U.S. waters might require clarity on new regulations or enforcement actions that could arise with this expanded jurisdiction. Understanding and adhering to any new or adjusted regulations could impose additional compliance costs or operational adjustments.
International Stakeholders: Countries with interests in waters adjacent to the expanded U.S. customs zone may require diplomatic engagement to ensure mutual understanding and adherence to international law. This bill could be perceived as a unilateral expansion of territory, potentially impacting international relations and necessitating negotiations.
In summary, while the bill seeks to modernize U.S. customs jurisdiction in accordance with historical presidential directives, its complex language and potential international implications warrant careful consideration. The legislation reflects an intersection between domestic law enforcement and international maritime policy, balancing national interests with global legal standards.
Issues
The expansion of U.S. customs waters from 12 nautical miles to 24 nautical miles may have significant international legal implications. It requires understanding the extent of U.S. jurisdiction under international law, involving multiple Presidential Proclamations. The complexity of this amendment could obscure its impacts from the general public. [Section 2]
The language of the bill is highly legalistic, referencing multiple sections of historical acts and Presidential Proclamations without summarizing their contents. This reduces transparency and makes it difficult for non-legal experts to grasp the changes and implications. Such complexity might lead to misinterpretations. [Section 2]
The effective date for the implementation of the amendments depends on the enactment of the Act. This vagueness can lead to ambiguity and potential delays in enforcement, which may affect stakeholders relying on these legal clarifications. [Section 2]
The short title section of the bill does not adequately define the purpose and scope of the Act, leaving room for misunderstanding about its intended impact and consequences. This lack of clarity can hinder public comprehension and engagement with the legislative process. [Section 1]
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the bill gives it the official name "Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act."
2. Definition of customs waters Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section updates the definition of "customs waters" in the Tariff Act of 1930 and the Anti-Smuggling Act by describing them as waters within the United States' territorial sea and contiguous zone, according to international law and related presidential proclamations. These changes are set to take effect the day after the law is enacted.