New Legislation Passes House With Astounding Bipartisan Support

Congress overwhelmingly passes a bill to combat cartel tunnels under the US border, yet one Democrat stands alone in opposition.

Quick Takes

The Subterranean Border Defense Act passed the House with a near-unanimous 402-1 vote.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) was the only member of Congress to vote against the measure.
Since 1990, over 140 tunnels have been discovered under the US-Mexico border with activity increasing 80% since 2008.
The bipartisan bill requires annual reports on tunnel detection and countermeasures from Customs and Border Protection.
The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Overwhelming Bipartisan Support for Border Security Measure

In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, the US House of Representatives passed the Subterranean Border Defense Act with overwhelming support. The bill, which targets Mexican cartels’ use of underground tunnels for smuggling across the southwestern border, sailed through with a 402-1 vote. Led by Republican Rep. Eli Crane of Arizona and co-sponsored by Democratic Rep. Lou Correa of California, the legislation represents a united front against cartel operations that have increasingly moved underground to avoid border security measures. The bill’s passage demonstrates that despite deep political divisions, Congress can still find common ground on matters of national security.

The Act’s comprehensive approach requires US Customs and Border Protection to submit detailed annual reports to Congress documenting tunnel discoveries, strategies for detection, and efforts to counter these subterranean threats. This reporting mechanism aims to provide lawmakers with the information needed to allocate resources effectively and develop policies that address the evolving tactics of transnational criminal organizations. The bill was fast-tracked under suspension of the rules, a procedure typically reserved for non-controversial legislation with strong bipartisan backing.

The Growing Underground Threat

The urgency of addressing underground smuggling routes is underscored by alarming statistics presented during the bill’s brief debate. “Since 1990, officials have discovered more than 140 tunnels that have breached the US border with an 80% increase in tunnel activity occurring since 2008,” said Rep. Crane on the House floor. These sophisticated passages, some equipped with rail systems, ventilation, and electricity, allow cartels to move drugs, weapons, and human trafficking victims undetected beneath existing border barriers. The technological advancement and resource investment by cartels highlight the escalating challenge faced by border enforcement agencies.

With increased surveillance and physical barriers at the surface, cartels have adapted by going underground. The tunnels discovered to date likely represent only a fraction of those in operation. These subterranean passageways present unique challenges for detection and interdiction, requiring specialized technology and training. By mandating regular reporting, the legislation aims to ensure Congress remains informed about both the scope of the problem and the effectiveness of countermeasures currently deployed.

Lone Voice of Opposition

Despite the near-universal support for the bill, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) cast the sole dissenting vote. Her opposition stood in stark contrast to the 194 Democrats and 208 Republicans who voted in favor of the legislation. Tlaib did not speak during the debate to explain her position, and her office did not immediately respond to requests for comment from media outlets. The Michigan congresswoman’s solitary stance drew attention on social media and from her colleagues across the aisle.

The bill’s debate was notably brief, with only Reps. Correa and Crane speaking in support. No arguments were presented against the legislation during floor consideration. Ten Republicans and 19 Democrats abstained from voting, though many may have been absent for procedural reasons rather than expressing silent opposition. The overwhelming support from both parties signals that addressing border security threats from cartels remains a priority that transcends partisan division.

Next Steps for Border Security

With House passage secured, the Subterranean Border Defense Act now moves to the Senate for consideration. The bill’s strong bipartisan support in the House suggests it may face few obstacles in the upper chamber. If enacted, the legislation would enhance congressional oversight of border security operations specifically targeting tunnel threats. This increased accountability could lead to more effective resource allocation and strategy development to combat the underground network of cartel operations.

Rep. Crane expressed confidence that the legislation would strengthen national security efforts, stating that the “passage of this bill is a massive win for our security.” The measure represents one component of a broader approach to border security, addressing a specific vulnerability that has grown more significant in recent years. As cartels continue to adapt their smuggling methods, congressional oversight and agency accountability become increasingly important tools in maintaining border integrity and protecting American communities from the flow of illegal drugs and human trafficking.