Bills/H.R. 534

CONTAINER Act

CONTAINER Act

In CommitteeEnvironmentHouseHouse Bill · 119th Congress
Bill Progress · House
Introduced
Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Passed Both
Signed

Plain Language Summary

# CONTAINER Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The CONTAINER Act would allow states bordering Canada and Mexico to place temporary, movable structures on federal lands near the borders without obtaining special permits. These structures—such as barriers or other installations—could remain for up to one year initially, with the possibility of 90-day extensions if U.S. Customs and Border Protection determines the border hasn't been fully secured.

The bill streamlines the approval process by removing the typical authorization requirements that currently apply to federal lands. **Who It Affects** The bill directly impacts border states (those adjacent to the U.S.-Canada or U.S.-Mexico borders) and gives them more control over border security operations on federal property. It also affects the Department of the Interior and Forest Service, which would need to approve placements rather than require states to apply through normal permitting channels. Generally, it relates to border security and immigration enforcement efforts. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative David Rouzer (R-NC) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.

CRS Official Summary

Creating Obstructions Necessary to Address Illegal and Nefarious Entry Rapidly Act or CONTAINER ActThis bill requires the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service to allow border states to place temporary, movable structures on federal lands adjacent to the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders without a special use authorization.Border states may place these structures on such lands for the purpose of securing the northern or southern border for a period of not more than one year. Interior and the Forest Service must approve extension requests in 90-day increments if U.S. Customs and Border Protection determines that operational control of the border area has not been achieved.

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Latest Action

February 20, 2025

Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.

Subjects

Border security and unlawful immigrationLand use and conservationState and local government operations

Sponsor

9 cosponsors

Key Dates

Introduced
January 16, 2025
Last Updated
February 20, 2025
Read Full Text on Congress.gov →
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