LPOE Modernization Trust Fund Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28]
In Committee
Summary
Creates a dedicated Land Port of Entry Modernization Trust Fund that would channel parts of existing customs fees and new surcharges into a Treasury trust to pay for construction, technology, repairs, and hiring at U.S. land ports of entry.
Show full summary
- Travelers and trade: Would fund construction and upgrades to handle higher volumes of commercial, vehicle, and pedestrian traffic. It would also add small surcharges to immigration and inspection fees, for example a $40 increase on the immigrant user fee.
- How it pays for projects: Would redirect 25 percent of certain fee streams and up to $1.6 billion a year in Merchandise Processing Fees into the Trust Fund beginning in fiscal year 2026.
- Local partners and staffing: Would fund hiring of Customs and Border Protection officers, agricultural specialists, and support staff and creates a nine-member Oversight Board. The Secretary must consult with GSA, the Army Corps of Engineers, states, tribes, and commerce groups when setting priorities and reviewing spending.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
New land port fund and fees
If enacted, the bill would create a Land Port of Entry Modernization Trust Fund. It would add surcharges of $40 to the immigrant user fee, $6 to the land border inspection fee, and $20 to the machine‑readable visa fee. Within 60 days after enactment, up to $1.6 billion from the Customs User Fee Account would move into the fund. Starting in fiscal year 2026 and each year after, deposits would include 25% shares of certain existing customs and visa fees and up to $1.6 billion of merchandise processing fees. Money could be spent only if Congress approves it. DHS, Treasury, and State would not be able to raise other fees just to make up for these deposits when acting together. Treasury would invest idle balances in U.S. securities, and earnings would go back into the fund.
How land port fund could be used
If enacted, Congress could approve projects from this fund. Money could build new land ports of entry. It could expand or repair existing ports to handle more trucks, cars, and pedestrians. It could buy inspection technology and support facilities. It could also hire Customs and Border Protection officers and agricultural specialists. Spending would happen only if Congress approves it.
Oversight board and yearly spending reports
If enacted, a nine‑member board would advise DHS on fund priorities and review spending. Some industry and state members would be named within three months. The board would meet at least once a year. DHS and GSA would send a report by March 10 each year on past and planned spending, the fund balance, and project timelines. The board would also send its first report by January 31, 2026, and then yearly.
New shipping document rules for fees
If enacted, the bill would define "individual air waybill" and "bill of lading" for fee rules. An individual shipment would need its own tracking number, one final consignee, and no lower tracking unit. Master or consolidated documents would not count. This could change how some shipments are counted for fees.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28]
TX • D
Cosponsors
Gonzales, Tony
TX • R
Sponsored 2/13/2025
Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16]
TX • D
Sponsored 2/13/2025
Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2]
NM • D
Sponsored 2/13/2025
Rep. Gonzalez, Vicente [D-TX-34]
TX • D
Sponsored 2/13/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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