After declaring its independence in 1776, the struggling young nation found itself on the brink of bankruptcy. Responding to the urgent need for revenue, the First Congress passed and President George Washington signed the Tariff Act, which authorized the collection of duties on imported goods. It was called "the second Declaration of Independence" by the 'news media of that era.

For nearly 125 years, Customs funded Virtually the entire government, and paid for the nation's early growth and infrastructure. The territories of Louisiana and Oregon, Florida and Alaska were purchased; the National Road from cumberland Maryland, to Wheeling, West Virginia, was constructed; and, the Transcontinental Railroad stretched from sea-to-sea. Customs collection built the nation's lighthouses; the U.S. mililtary and naval academies; the City of Washington; and , the list goes on. The new nation that once teetered on the edge of bankruptcy was now solvent.

Today, Customs is still a growing, major sour~ revenue for the Federal government, returningo $16.00 to the taxpayer for every dollar appr0jX8 by Congress.

The United States Customs Service ensures that all imports and exports comply with U.S. laws and regulations. The Service collects and protects the revenue, guards against smuggling, responsible for the following:

Assessing and collecting customs duties, excise taxes, fees and penalties due on imported merchandise.

Interdicting and seizing contraband, including narcotics and Illegal drugs.

Processing persons, baggage, cargo and mail, and administering certain navigation laws.

Detecting and apprehending persons engaged in fraudulent practices designed to circumvent Customs and related laws.