Texas lawmakers seek to get federal reimbursement for Biden-era border control expenses
Two U.S. Texas senators and a well-known conservative congressman are leading the charge to urge the federal government to reimburse the state for the billions of dollars spent on securing the southern border during the Biden administration.
The State Border Security Assistance Act is a proposed legislation that aims to establish funding sources within the Justice Department and Homeland Security Department to reimburse states for border security measures taken after January 20, 2021 – the day of President Joe Biden’s inauguration. These funds would cover expenses related to border wall construction, state law enforcement surveillance, apprehension, detention, and prosecution of illegal immigrants.
If passed, Texas would be guaranteed full reimbursement, with any leftover funds at the end of the Trump administration’s term being returned to the Treasury and used to reduce the national debt.
The bill was crafted by Texas Republican Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, with Rep. Chip Roy working on companion legislation. Operation Lone Star, Texas’ independent border security initiative during the Biden administration, was launched and financed from Austin due to what the Texans described as a “dereliction of duty” by the federal government.
Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of reimbursing Texas for the expenses incurred during the border crisis, stating, “Texas was on the front lines of the Biden administration’s open border crisis, and Texans were on their own dealing with the consequences.” He urged his colleagues to pass the bill promptly.
Senator Cornyn echoed Cruz’s sentiments, highlighting the efforts of Texas Governor Greg Abbott and state taxpayers in taking action where the federal government did not. He emphasized the need to repay Texas for its role in securing the southern border and criticized the Biden-Harris administration for neglecting its federal responsibilities.
Rep. Roy added to the conversation, condemning the actions of President Biden and former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for causing an “invasion of lawlessness, crime, danger, and drugs” that put Texans and all Americans at risk. He stressed that states like Texas deserve reimbursement for stepping up to defend the nation when the federal government failed to do so.
Governor Abbott recently outlined a list of expenditures that he hopes to see reimbursed, including funds for concertina wire, border fencing, court costs for prosecutions, and expenses related to investigating vehicle thefts in border towns.
Fox News Digital reached out to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and the Department of Homeland Security for comments on the proposed legislation.
In conclusion, the push for reimbursement for border security expenses in Texas reflects a broader effort to hold the federal government accountable for its role in securing the southern border. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the State Border Security Assistance Act will impact the ongoing border security efforts in Texas and beyond.
