Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani has reintroduced a bill aimed at improving public safety on federal lands along the southern border. The Federal Lands Amplified Security for the Homeland (FLASH) Act, known as H.R. 1820, seeks to bolster border security by constructing navigable roads and allowing states to install temporary barriers on federal lands. It also mandates federal managers to devise strategies for dealing with hazardous trash piles that negatively impact the environment.

Ciscomani stated, "Under the previous administration, the crisis at the southern border made our communities less safe and degraded the environment of our federal lands." He emphasized that Republicans are committed to reversing these issues and fulfilling their promise to secure borders and protect communities. According to Ciscomani, his bill will enhance Border Patrol's capabilities, address environmental concerns from trash piles, empower states in securing borders, and safeguard taxpayer funds.

The legislation is supported by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman and several other representatives including Tom Tiffany, Russ Fulcher, David Rouzer, Buddy Carter, Dan Crenshaw, Claudia Tenney, and Nicole Malliotakis.

Chairman Westerman commented on recent challenges faced at America's southern border: "In the last four years, America’s southern border suffered a sustained security, environmental and humanitarian disaster." He highlighted how illegal immigration has impacted federal lands through increased trash accumulation and deteriorating wildlife habitats. Westerman believes that Ciscomani’s bill directly addresses these problems by providing necessary resources for Border Patrol agents while upholding former President Trump's commitment to securing borders against threats.

A congressional field hearing on this matter was conducted last year in Ciscomani’s district along the border.