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Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program Authorization Act of 2018

Introduced: July 19, 2018 Introduced by: McCaul, Michael T. Republican · Texas See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 115th Congress ended
It never became law before the 115th Congress (2017–2018) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 17 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Dec 5, 2018
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 724.
Dec 5, 2018
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with amendments. With written report No. 115-419.
Sep 26, 2018
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
Sep 5, 2018
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Sep 4, 2018
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Sep 4, 2018
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 272 - 119 (Roll no. 381). (text: CR H7786-7787)
Sep 4, 2018
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR S7806)
Sep 4, 2018
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Sep 4, 2018
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6439.
Sep 4, 2018
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR S7786-7789)
Sep 4, 2018
Mr. McCaul moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Aug 28, 2018
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 705.
Aug 28, 2018
Reported by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 115-909.
Jul 24, 2018
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Jul 24, 2018
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Jul 19, 2018
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Jul 19, 2018
Introduced in House
 Votes taken on this bill 1
DateChamberWhat was voted onResultYes–No
Sep 4, 2018 House · vote #381 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass Passed 272–119 See who voted →
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program Authorization Act of 2018

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide statutory authority for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program (BITMAP). That program was established to address and reduce national security, border security, and terrorist threats before such threats reach the international border of the United States.

In carrying out BITMAP operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement must: (1) coordinate foreign and U.S. officials to facilitate the sharing of biometric and biographic information of foreign nationals to identify and screen such nationals for terrorism and threats to national or border security; (2) provide capabilities, including training and equipment, to collect and compare biometric and biographic identification data of foreign nationals to protect against national security, border security, or terrorist threats and illegal entries; and (3) ensure that such data are incorporated into appropriate government databases.

Before carrying out BITMAP operations in a foreign country, DHS must enter into an agreement with the government of such country that outlines such operations and must provide the congressional homeland security committees with a copy of the agreement.

What's happening now December 5, 2018

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 724.

 Related & companion bills 2
  • HR 6136 Related bill Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2018
  • HR 6415 Related bill American Border Act
 Bill text 5 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
 Cosponsors 8
All 8 Democratic 1 Republican 4
Ratcliffe, John
· Jul 23, 2018
 R
Bacon, Don
Nebraska · Jul 19, 2018
Donovan, Daniel
· Jul 19, 2018
 R
Fitzpatrick, Brian K.
Pennsylvania · Jul 19, 2018
 R
Higgins, Clay
Louisiana · Jul 19, 2018
 D
Keating, William R.
Massachusetts · Jul 19, 2018
McSally, Martha
· Jul 19, 2018
 R
Rogers, Mike D.
Alabama · Jul 19, 2018
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 6439: Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program Authorization Act of 2018. 115th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/115-HR-6439/
MLA
"H.R. 6439: Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program Authorization Act of 2018." 115th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/115-HR-6439/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 6439, 115th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/115-HR-6439/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 6439: Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program Authorization Act of 2018](https://openamerica.io/bill/115-HR-6439/)
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