San Antonio Standard

Rep. Tony Gonzales Advances Legislation to Improve Land Ports of Entry

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) advanced H.R. 8150, the Reducing Excessive Vetting Authorities to Maintain our Ports (REVAMP) Act, through the House Committee on Homeland Security.

This bipartisan, bicameral legislation aims to streamline the process of conducting repairs and maintenance projects at land ports of entry (LPOEs) along the southern and northern borders. Specifically, it grants Customs and Border Protection (CBP) greater authority to directly conduct these improvements without involving the General Services Administration (GSA). The legislation is designed to enhance the physical condition and operation of international bridges and address the growing backlog of repairs needed at federal facilities while allowing GSA to focus on major projects.

“Land Ports of Entry are not only critical to border communities, but they also bring in billions of dollars worth of trade to our economy. That is why our international bridges must be kept in the best shape possible. Currently, there is a backlog of maintenance and repairs to be conducted at these ports of entry—this bill would cut that red tape and streamline the process. H.R. 8150 [the REVAMP Act] is simple. It would provide CBP with the authority it needs to further address urgent maintenance projects more swiftly,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales during the Homeland Committee markup.

Under current law, CBP can only conduct repairs at LPOEs without GSA authorization if the project is valued at less than $100,000. Congressman Gonzales' legislation proposes raising this threshold to $300,000 and tying that amount to inflation. Additionally, it requires the Commissioner of CBP, in consultation with the Administrator of GSA, to establish procedures for undertaking such projects.

U.S. Reps. Lou Correa (CA-46), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), and Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) are original cosponsors of the REVAMP Act.

Congressman Gonzales represents Texas' 23rd Congressional District, which spans 823 miles along the Texas-Mexico border and includes Eagle Pass, Del Rio, and El Paso.

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