Rep. Ciscomani Introduces FLASH Act to Build Border Roads and Ban Migrant Housing on Federal Lands
The FLASH Act is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and is being reviewed by several House committees. It recently had a subcommittee hearing in March 2025, which shows that the bill is actively moving forward. There are no further actions scheduled at this time.
While this bill has strong support from House Republicans, it faces significant opposition in the Senate and from environmental groups concerned about building in protected wilderness areas.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
The bill directly targets undocumented immigrants in multiple ways: it doubles criminal penalties for fire and sanitation violations on federal land, bans federal funding for their housing on federal lands, and expands Border Patrol access and infrastructure in areas commonly used for border crossings. The road construction, surveillance technology, and wilderness access provisions are all designed to make it harder for people to cross the border undetected on federal lands.
“An alien without lawful immigration status who, while on covered Federal land, carries out an activity prohibited under applicable fire and sanitation regulations shall be subject to criminal penalties and fines authorized under such regulations.”
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, the Budget, and Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
The Federal Lands Amplified Security for the Homeland (FLASH) Act (H.R 1820) would build 584 miles of roads on federal lands to enhance access for Border Patrol, permit states to erect temporary barriers, and prohibit housing illegal migrants on federal lands.
The FLASH Act, introduced by Rep. Juan Ciscomani, allows DHS to construct hundreds of miles of roads and barriers along federal land units. Critics argue it disregards the Wilderness Act by allowing motorized vehicles and permanent structures in protected areas.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
FLASH Act
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