Rep. McCaul and Rep. Cuellar Introduce Bipartisan BITMAP Act to Track Security Threats Abroad
The BITMAP Authorization Act is in the early stages of the legislative process after being sent to the House Committee on Homeland Security on April 12, 2026. The bill is currently waiting for the committee to review it, which is the next required step. Most bills do not move past this stage, and there has been no further action on this proposal since it was introduced.
This bill has strong bipartisan support and addresses border security, which is a major priority. While many bills struggle to move through committee, the joint effort by high-profile members from both parties increases its chances.
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
BITMAP is designed to identify and interdict people using "illicit pathways" to enter the U.S. by collecting their biometric data in foreign countries before they reach the border. Undocumented migrants traveling through partner countries could be flagged, screened, and potentially stopped before arrival, making unauthorized border crossing harder.
“identify, prevent, detect, and interdict high risk individuals identified as national security, border security, or terrorist threats who may attempt to enter the United States utilizing illicit pathways”
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul and Henry Cuellar reintroduced the BITMAP Authorization Act to formally establish the Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program within DHS. The bill aims to 'push the border outward' by helping foreign partners identify high-risk travelers.
Congressmen Henry Cuellar and Michael McCaul reintroduced the BITMAP Authorization Act. The legislation authorizes a DHS program that works with international partners to stop dangerous criminals and potential terrorists before they reach U.S. borders using specialized biometric technology.
Legislation has been reintroduced to authorize the BITMAP program, which prevents dangerous criminals from entering the U.S. through biometric identification. The bill has bipartisan support and seeks to improve intelligence sharing with international law enforcement to break up criminal groups.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
BITMAP Authorization Act
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.