H.R. 4679 — FASTER Act

This section requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, not later than 180 days after enactment and biennially thereafter, to survey existing tactical infrastructure (i.e., physical barriers) along the U.S. southern border—including (1) miles without such infrastructure, (2) structural deficiencies, and (3) technology deficiencies—and to submit an unclassified report on the findings (with possible classified annex) to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs within 90 days after each survey. If a survey identifies deficiencies (i.e., infrastructure or technology that is non-operational or unable to function due to damage, deterioration, or unmet maintenance or repair), the Secretary must take necessary actions, including exercising waiver authority under section 102(c)(1) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1103 note), to correct them expeditiously. (Thus, the waiver authority permits expedited construction, installation, maintenance, or repair of border barriers and roads by overriding otherwise applicable legal requirements.)