Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act

# Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would increase inspections of cargo and vehicles traveling southbound (from the U.S. toward Mexico and Central America) at the southern border. Currently, border inspections focus primarily on goods and people entering the U.S. from the south.

This legislation aims to combat drug trafficking organizations and cartels by scrutinizing what leaves the U.S., particularly targeting weapons, cash, and precursor chemicals that criminal organizations use to manufacture drugs like fentanyl. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** The bill would impact U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations and travelers/shippers crossing the southern border. By increasing southbound inspections, it targets the flow of resources that enable cartel operations, though specific inspection methods and resource requirements are not detailed in the available information. **Current Status:** As of the 119th Congress, the bill remains in committee and has not advanced to a full floor vote. This means it is still in the early legislative stage and has not yet been approved by Congress.