PATROL Act

# PATROL Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The PATROL Act (Preventing Aliens Through Rivers or Land Act) would prevent the Department of Justice from suing states that build structures in navigable waterways along the U.S. border for security purposes. Normally, federal law requires approval before constructing bridges, dams, dikes, or other structures in navigable waters. This bill would create an exception for border security projects, allowing states to build these structures without facing federal legal action—even if they don't have federal permission. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects border states (like Texas) and the federal government.

States would gain more freedom to construct border security infrastructure in or over waterways. The federal government would lose its ability to enforce federal environmental and water regulations in these specific situations. Native American tribes, environmental groups, and communities downstream from such structures could also be affected if projects proceed without standard federal oversight. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House. It was sponsored by Representative Michael Cloud (R-TX) in the 119th Congress.