On Friday, U.S. Representatives Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) and Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) introduced the Border Weather Resiliency Act. This legislation would require Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to assess and submit a strategy to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather on CBP personnel, infrastructure, technology, vehicles, and other assets. U.S. Senators Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

“Law enforcement personnel along the border constantly face extreme weather conditions, including dangerously high temperatures. The Border Weather Resiliency Act will help identify ways we can better protect our Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers from harsh weather conditions,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. “Additionally, our bill will help CBP make smarter investments in border technology and infrastructure so that CBP employees can be safer in the line of duty. I look forward to working with Rep. Stanton to move this legislation across the finish line.”

“Along the Arizona border, temperatures can soar well into the triple digits in the summer months. This prolonged extreme weather doesn’t just wear down border security infrastructure and technology – it can put the safety of officers and agents at risk,” said Congressman Greg Stanton. “Our bipartisan bill proactively addresses the impacts of extreme heat and hazardous weather along the border, and I look forward to working across the aisle to move it forward.”

Recently, the Border Weather Resiliency Act passed in the U.S. Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee.

Congressman Gonzales represents the largest border district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Texas' 23rd Congressional District spans 823 miles of the Texas-Mexico border and includes Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Presidio, and El Paso. 

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