Congressman Langworthy Announces House Passage of his Northern Border Security and Enhancement Review Act

Washington, D.C.—September 16^th… Congressman Nick Langworthy today announced that the House of Representatives passed his Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act (H.R. 5517), advancing bipartisan legislation to ensure the United States regularly evaluates evolving threats along the northern border and maintains a strategy capable of addressing them. The bill passed today by voice vote. 

Congressman Langworthy Speaks on his Bill on the House Floor —September 16, 2026 

The legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to regularly assess threats along the northern border, update its northern border strategy as needed and provide Congress with the information necessary to conduct effective oversight. It also requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations to establish performance measures for its efforts to secure the northern border between ports of entry.

“Protecting our northern border is just as important to our homeland security as the southern border, and we cannot afford to take it for granted,” said Congressman Langworthy. “For too long, the northern border has not received the sustained attention it deserves, even as the threats facing our communities continue to evolve. This bipartisan legislation ensures we are regularly assessing those threats, updating our strategy and giving Congress the information it needs to hold the Department of Homeland Security accountable. I’m proud that the House has passed this common-sense bill, and I’ll continue working to make sure our national security is protected, particularly for our border communities like right here in Western New York.” 

The United States shares more than 5,500 miles of border with Canada, spanning some of the most diverse and challenging terrain in the country. In recent years, Border Patrol apprehensions between ports of entry along the northern border increased from 916 in Fiscal Year 2021 to more than 23,000 in Fiscal Year 2024.

In Western New York, the need for continued vigilance is particularly important. The Government Accountability Office reported that Border Patrol was involved in 170 drug-seizure events in the Buffalo Sector during Fiscal Year 2024, nearly double the number recorded the previous year.

He concluded, “Americans deserve to know that the men and women responsible for protecting them have the tools, information and strategy necessary to meet the threats of today and prepare for the threats of tomorrow. We have made progress, but this is no time for complacency.”

H.R. 5517 was considered by the House Committee on Homeland Security in June, where it received bipartisan support. The legislation now advances to the Senate for consideration.