The House of Representatives on Monday passed the bipartisan Subterranean Border Defense Act, which will boost congressional oversight on the use of tunnels as a means for illegal migrants to sneak into the United States.

The legislation, which was introduced by Arizona GOP Rep. Eli Crane and California Democratic Rep. Lou Correa, was passed by a vote of 402-1. Squad member Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan, was the lone dissenter, per Fox News.

The bill highlights the growing need for additional oversight of the vast tunnel system into the U.S. Since 1990, more than 140 tunnels have "breached the U.S. border with an 80% increase in tunnel activity occurring since 2008," Crane said during the floor debate.

"Passage of this bill is a massive win for our security," Crane said in a statement. "With border crossings thankfully going down since January, it's safe to assume this will drive threats underneath our border through these tunnels. This legislation will ensure Congress has sufficient knowledge and oversight in regard to this dynamic threat." 

The bill directs the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to submit an annual report to Congress about how Mexican cartels use tunnels and how American law enforcement is looking to combat it.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.