Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS), chairman of the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement, has announced a hearing scheduled for next Thursday to review the use of non-intrusive inspection (NII) technology by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The technology is used at U.S. borders to detect and stop illicit drugs, hidden currency, contraband, and people being smuggled into the country.
In July 2025, President Trump signed legislation that allocated more than $1 billion for border technology investments, including NII systems. These investments were initially proposed by the House Committee on Homeland Security as part of a reconciliation package put forward by House Republicans.
“Non-intrusive inspection technology is a vital tool for CBP officers as they carry out their mission to keep our borders secure and combat the smuggling of dangerous drugs, like fentanyl, into our communities,” said Subcommittee Chairman Guest. “While reconciliation investments provided by House Republicans stand to enhance this technology at our ports of entry, the program has faced challenges in the acquisition, maintenance, and deployment of this equipment in the past. Technology is only effective if we utilize it effectively. As we examine President Trump’s whole-of-government border security success, we must ensure CBP is using every resource at its disposal to maintain this homeland security posture.”
The hearing will take place on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET in Room 310 of the Cannon House Office Building. Witnesses include Diane Sabatino, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner from CBP’s Office of Field Operations; and Hilary Benedict, Director for Science, Technology Assessments, and Analytics at the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
Testimony from witnesses will be made available online before the hearing. The event will also be livestreamed on YouTube and open to both the public and press. Members of the press are required to have congressional credentials and should RSVP in advance.
