Counterterrorism Border Security Enhancement Act

Summary

Counterterrorism Border Security Enhancement Act Directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct an assessment (which shall focus on the visa waiver program requirements for travelers and program countries) and report to Congress regarding: (1) needed border security and entry procedures improvements in response to homeland threats from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and (2) growing participation by U.S. and European nationals as foreign fighters in Syria and Iraq and in terrorist activity. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding the visa waiver program to: (1) expand pre-travel clearance procedures; and (2) increase information-sharing requirements, including suspension of countries not fully cooperating with such requirements. Directs the Department of State to submit a plan to Congress for training consular officers on visa interviewing techniques that emphasizes counterterrorism efforts. Directs DHS, the State Department, and the Attorney General (DOJ) to submit to Congress a plan for: (1) increasing the scrutiny of U.S. citizens who have recently traveled to Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Libya; and (2) enhancing DOJ and other federal agency capabilities to investigate, arrest, and prosecute U.S. citizens suspected of engaging in terrorist acts or involvement with a terrorist organization. Authorizes the State Department to revoke and confiscate any passport issued to a U.S. citizen who is suspected of, or who has demonstrated an intent to engage in, terrorist activities. Amends the federal criminal code to include adherence to terrorist organizations within the definition of "treason."

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Timeline

1. 24 February 2015

   Introduced

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 24 February 2015

   Introduced

   Introduced in Senate

   Source: IntroReferral

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

• Introduced in Senate · 24 February 2015 · Official file

Documents

3 official files

• Introduced in Senate (text)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 24 February 2015

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate (PDF)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 24 February 2015

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 24 February 2015

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Sen. Coats, Daniel [R-IN] · R · Sponsor
• Sen. Portman, Rob [R-OH] · R · Cosponsor
• Susan Collins · R · Cosponsor
• Rep. Roberts, Pat [R-KS-1] · R · Cosponsor
• · ssju00 · Standing

Related records

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