Congresswoman Laurel Lee Reintroduces Bipartisan CBP SPACE Act to Strengthen Security at U.S. Seaports

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL-15) reintroduced the CBP SPACE Act (Securing Ports and America’s Commerce and Economy) to foster help a collaborative approach to securing trade and travel. It is essential that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and seaports work together as partners. However, CBP has recently indicated it may halt operations unless ports cover the costs of screening equipment, a move that could jeopardize national security.

Rep. Lee was joined by co-lead Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03) and original cosponsors Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), and Troy Carter (D-LA-02) in introducing the bipartisan measure.

 “Our nation’s seaports are not only critical to our economy, but they are key points of entry that must be secured,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “This bill is a straightforward, bipartisan solution that alleviates the burden placed on private seaports by CBP’s recent equipment demands. This bill will ensure the obligations placed on seaports are fair, transparent, and help support safe, lawful trade and travel."

“Florida’s ports, such as Port Manatee in my district, are vital to our economy, supporting thousands of jobs and keeping goods flowing across the country. Yet our seaports are being forced to absorb outrageous costs for Customs and Border Protection expenses, including demands for equipment that often goes completely unused. The CBP SPACE Act is a commonsense fix that allows existing customs fees to cover these costs, relieving the burden on local ports and protecting jobs.”said Congressman Vern Buchanan. 

"I’m proud to co-sponsor the CBP Space Act. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and our seaports have to work together to keep trade moving and our communities safe. Louisiana’s ports employ thousands of workers, ensuring that American goods reach markets worldwide. Our ports and supply chains are already strained. They should not be threatened with additional fees or potential shutdowns for failure to pay for CBP’s costs, that’s a federal responsibility. This bill gives CBP the funding it needs without forcing ports to pick up the tab, so our maritime economy can continue flowing smoothly. I want to thank my colleagues Reps. Lee and Gluesenkamp Perez for leading this important, commonsense solution,"said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.

Currently, CBP officers at many seaports face challenges operating in temporary or makeshift facilities due to outdated legal constraints that prevent the agency from securing long-term leases. The CBP SPACE Act resolves this issue by granting CBP the authority to directly lease necessary space from port authorities or private entities. This will allow officers to be properly stationed at vital locations and ensure consistent enforcement of customs and immigration laws.

The legislation clarifies CBP’s ability to enter into leases for operational space at seaports and other facilities, helps eliminate enforcement gaps caused by the lack of available or suitable infrastructure, and improves coordination with port authorities to strengthen U.S. supply chain security.