GOP senator moves to block feds from disposing of border wall materials amid auction backlash

Sen. Bill Hagerty, a Republican from Tennessee, is taking action to prevent the federal government from disposing of border wall materials. In response to the controversy surrounding the auctioning of border wall parts by the Biden administration, Sen. Hagerty is introducing legislation that would prohibit the use of federal funds to dismantle or render inoperable any segment of the physical barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Additionally, the bill would block the use of funds to auction, sell, transfer, or dispose of any materials or supplies acquired by the federal government for the purpose of constructing, maintaining, or reinforcing the border wall. This move comes after reports of border wall materials being sold online and transported on flatbed trucks in Arizona, sparking outrage from President-elect Trump.

President-elect Trump called the auctioning of unused wall parts “almost a criminal act” and urged President Biden to halt the sales. He is also working with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and other Texas leaders to reacquire the materials for future use. The ongoing auctions have raised concerns about the potential waste of resources and the need to maintain border security infrastructure.

The Defense Department has been disposing of excess wall construction materials in accordance with the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which required a plan for the use, transfer, or donation of remaining wall material. Border states like Texas were given preference for materials, but the Defense Department has stated that it has no legal authority to recall or stop the resale of materials no longer owned by the U.S. government.

Sen. Hagerty’s bill aims to override existing laws, including the NDAA provision, to preserve border wall materials for future use. His office believes that the NDAA provision was meant to encourage border wall construction, and the current situation highlights the need to protect these resources.

In conclusion, Sen. Hagerty’s efforts to prevent the disposal of border wall materials reflect the ongoing debate over border security and the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure. The controversy surrounding the auctioning of these materials underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to border security that prioritizes efficiency and resource management.