Overview
Title
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 bill wants to make the area where the United States can check for customs things, like goods being brought in, bigger from 12 miles to 24 miles out into the ocean, making it match a special rule by the President. This means the U.S. can look out for stuff coming in from farther away.
Summary AI
H. R. 529 is a bill that aims to expand the area known as the "customs waters" of the United States from 12 nautical miles to 24 nautical miles from the country's baselines, as aligned with Presidential Proclamation 7219. This change involves amending the current definitions of these waters in both the Tariff Act of 1930 and the Anti-Smuggling Act, ensuring they are consistent with international law. The bill outlines the method for determining these waters and specifies the relevant changes to take effect immediately following its enactment.
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
The bill, officially titled the "Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act," proposes to extend the customs waters of the United States. The existing limit is 12 nautical miles, and this legislation seeks to extend it to 24 nautical miles from the baselines of the U.S. This move aligns with international law and is consistent with Presidential Proclamation 7219. Specifically, it involves amendments to parts of the Tariff Act of 1930 and the Anti-Smuggling Act.
Summary of Significant Issues
Several significant issues emerge from the proposed legislation. Firstly, the complexity of legal language and the multiple references to existing laws and international statutes may obscure understanding for those unfamiliar with legal jargon. This complexity might pose challenges to businesses and individuals who need to comply with the new regulations. Moreover, the redundant nature of the amendments to two different laws, using almost identical language, could be addressed with simplification or consolidation for clarity and legislative efficiency.
Furthermore, extending the customs boundary has implications that align with international law but could affect international relations. This jurisdictional expansion could lead to geopolitical concerns, especially regarding trade and maritime navigation.
Impact on the Public
By extending the customs waters to 24 nautical miles, the bill increases U.S. jurisdiction, which could lead to enhanced national security and improved control over illegal activities such as smuggling. This change could potentially increase safety and regulatory compliance in areas like shipping and fishing, possibly benefiting the broader public by promoting economic stability and security.
However, the extended jurisdiction may also increase the regulatory burden on international ships and businesses operating within these waters. Compliance costs might rise, affecting prices and availability of goods if businesses see increased operational expenses.
Impact on Stakeholders
For stakeholders directly involved in maritime activities, such as shipping companies, fishermen, and coastal states, the bill could have mixed impacts. The positive aspect is the potential enhancement in security, which might reduce illegal activities and unfair competition in these waters. On the downside, these stakeholders could face increased regulatory requirements and associated costs. International shipping companies, for example, might need to navigate the new legal landscape more carefully to ensure compliance, potentially altering their operation strategies or increasing costs.
Additionally, for government bodies such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, an increased jurisdiction might necessitate more resources and personnel to effectively monitor and enforce the broader range. This could strain existing resources unless additional funding or staffing is provided.
Overall, while the bill aims to enhance control and align U.S. law with international standards, its nuanced implications call for careful consideration by businesses, international partners, and governmental agencies alike.
Issues
The amendments outlined in Section 2 include complex legal language and specific references to international law (Tariff Act of 1930 and Anti-Smuggling Act). This complexity may hinder understanding and compliance by the general public and businesses relying on this regulatory change.
Section 2 makes amendments to both the Tariff Act of 1930 and the Anti-Smuggling Act, with nearly identical language and structure. This redundancy could be simplified or consolidated for clarity and legislative efficiency.
The bill's change in the definition of customs waters from 12 nautical miles to 24 nautical miles extends U.S. customs enforcement and jurisdiction, consistent with international laws and Presidential Proclamation 7219. This expansion of jurisdiction could raise geopolitical or international regulatory concerns and affect trade and navigation.
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 section states that the official name for the law is the "Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act."
2. Definition of customs waters Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section updates the definitions of "customs waters" in two laws, the Tariff Act of 1930 and the Anti-Smuggling Act, to clarify that these waters extend from the baselines of the United States and include the territorial sea and contiguous zone as defined by international law and specific Presidential Proclamations. These changes will take effect the day after the act is enacted.