CBNNews.com  - Criminals trying to enter the U.S. by sea may soon find it more difficult.

The House has passed a bill requiring the secretary of homeland security to use biometrics to identify terrorists and other suspects.

Biometrics is the use of iris scanning, fingerprinting, and facial recognition technology.

A pilot program helped the coast guard and other agencies apprehend 600 people with outstanding warrants including a repeat human smuggler.

"It ensures people attempting to enter the United States illegally by sea that have criminal records will not simply be returned to their homelands. They will be detained so they cannot attempt to enter the U.S. again," Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R.Fla., said.

Some lawmakers are seeking more funding for the program.