In an effort to keep boating and fishing along the southern border of the United States safe, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is supporting H.R. 1505, the National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act, which has passed the House and is now being considered in the Senate. Chairman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) offered an amendment to the bill at committee markup that includes revisions to strengthen private property rights, and protect sportsmen and recreational enthusiasts’ access to public lands.

The land along our southern borders are some of the most dangerous areas in our country and are laced with lakes, reservoirs, and rivers where recreational boaters and anglers frequent. However, the Border Patrol has been prohibited from using their motorized vehicles to patrol these areas or place electronic surveillance structures by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency because of concern over harm to the environment. As a result, our Federal lands have become a highway open to criminals, drug smugglers, human traffickers, and potential terrorists, which has escalated to violence against Americans enjoying the area for boating and fishing.