S 1852
IBEM Act of 2025
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Bill overview
The International Bridge and Port of Entry Modernization Act of 2025 (IBEM Act) aims to simplify the process for the President to approve permits for international bridges and land ports of entry between the United States and Mexico and Canada. The bill modifies the International Bridge Act of 1972 to specifically include ports of entry in the definition of covered structures and to streamline the permitting process by removing a specific timeframe and limiting environmental document reviews. This change is intended to expedite the construction and operation of these critical border crossings.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of ‘international bridge’ to include ports of entry.
- Removes a specific timeframe for permitting related to bridges and ports of entry.
- Clarifies the scope of Presidential permits to cover bridges and ports of entry.
- Redesignates and restructures sections of the International Bridge Act to align with the changes.
- Limits the Secretary’s consideration of environmental documents for permitting purposes.
Who is affected
- U.S. Government (specifically the Department of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Transportation)
- Mexico
- Canada
- Border crossing communities
- Construction companies involved in border infrastructure projects
Notable changes
- Broadens the definition of ‘international bridge’ to encompass ports of entry.
- Eliminates a specific permitting period previously in place.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
S. 1852
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
A BILL
To amend the International Bridge Act of 1972 to streamline the Presidential permitting process for international bridges and land ports of entry, and for other purposes.
This Act may be cited as the International Bridge and Port of Entry Modernization Act of 2025 IBEM Act of 2025
or the
.
Section 6 of the International Bridge Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 535d) is amended—
in paragraph (1)—
during the period beginning on December 1, 2020, and ending on December 31, 2024,; and
by striking subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), and inserting the following:
An international bridge between the United States and Mexico.
An international bridge between the United States and Canada.
A port of entry on the international land border between the United States and Mexico.
A port of entry on the international land border between the United States and Canada.
in paragraph (2)(A)(ii), by inserting or land port of entry
after international bridge
;
in subsection (b), by inserting or land port of entry
after international bridge
;
in subsection (c)(2)—
solebefore
basis; and
or land port of entryafter
international bridge;
in subsection (e)—
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated), by striking Notwithstanding
and inserting the following:
Notwithstanding
by adding at the end the following:
The Secretary shall not compile or take into consideration any environmental document pursuant to Public Law 91–190 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with respect to a Presidential permit for an application under subsection (b).
in subsection (f), by inserting or land port of entry
after international bridge
each place it appears.