A US$10 billion border security bill that requires the completion of a biometric entry/exit system for the United States has been approved by the House Committee on Homeland Security, amid support from the International Biometrics and Identification Association (IBIA) and the Security Industry Association (SIA).Republican Michael McCaul, chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, on Wednesday won an 18-12 party-line vote from the panel to pass the Secure the Borders First Act, which McCaul has has described as the toughest border security bill ever before Congress.A few hours earlier, the IBIA and SIA had released a statement expressing support for the bill."The United States pioneered the use of biometrics to enhance border security, and has since become the international standard through the development of a layered approach that identifies travelers based on who they really ߪ Yet the original vision of a comprehensive border security regime remains unfulfilled."The IBIA and SIA write that a biometric exit system is needed to fill remaining operational gaps in US border enforcement, and that the Secure Our Borders First Act was the right legislation to achieve the goal."By setting concrete timelines and goals, [this bill] will provide the necessary impetus to bring a more secure, biometrically-controlled border to fruition".McCaul's bill also envisions the secretary of Homeland Security gaining operational control of the border's high-traffic areas within two years and of the whole southwest border within five years.Last week, Planet Biometrics reported that a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill released on 9 January had allocated US$3 million in funding for testing of a biometric exit app that would be used by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).The idea of implementing an exit system at all US ports of entry was first touted in 1996 as part of the "Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act".Three related laws passed since the 9/11 attacks – based on 9/11 Commission recommendations – required that biometrics such as fingerprints and facial data be used to verify identities as part of the scheme.Proponent say a biometric exit system would fulfil long-held goals of the federal government to obtain accurate and timely data on those who overstay visas.On the same day the bill was sent to the committee, the Airport Entry and Exit Working Group today also expressed support."It is ߪ critical that an effective exit biometric solution be deployed to all US borders as soon as possible. The Working Group stands ready to support the creation of holistic solutions that are cost-effective, stand the test of time and use, support national security, and enhance the safety of the traveling experience".The Committee on Homeland Security was established in 2002 to provide Congressional oversight for the US Department of Homeland Security.US Senators Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Ron Johnson (R-WI) and John Cornyn (R-TX) also on Wednesday introduced a companion bill to the Secure the Border First Act of 2015 in the Senate."I appreciate Chairman McCaul's efforts to put forward a bill to secure our borders," said Johnson "and I am happy to introduce a companion bill in the Senate with Senators Cornyn and Flake. This bill uses a sector-by-sector approach to outline capability requirements and includes a prescriptive list of required fencing and border security infrastructure."

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