By Elizabeth Troutman |

Legislation to strengthen border security against illicit drugs passed out of committee on Wednesday. 

The House Committee on Homeland Security passed the Subterranean Border Defense Act, which was introduced by Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., and Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif. The bill awaits further action on the House Floor.

The bill would require annual reports to Congress on counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations.

“Effective border security is created by overlapping deterrents. My legislation would help ensure that Congress has the necessary data to forge another much-needed layer of defense—especially when the Biden Administration’s policies have left our country inexcusably vulnerable,”  Crane said. “I’m grateful to Chairman Green for his support of this bill and for his distinguished leadership on the Committee.”

Illicit cross-border tunnels along the southwest border of the United States represent a significant and growing threat to national security, according to a news release from the congressman.

Law enforcement officials have discovered more than 140 tunnels that have breached the U.S. border since 1990. There has been an 80% increase in tunnel activity occurring since 2008.

House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green said the committee is committed to protecting America from cartels. 

“Illicit cross-border tunnel operations are more evidence that vicious criminal cartels will stop at nothing to smuggle weapons, drugs, and illegal aliens into this country to our detriment, and for their profit,” Green said. “DHS must provide Congress with reporting on these operations annually, as well as the Border Patrol’s efforts to stop them, as these operations are a threat to all Americans.”

Elizabeth Troutman is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send her news tips using this link.