Texas Seeks Federal Reimbursement for $4 Billion Spent on Border Security

Texas, a border state in the southern United States, has been at the forefront of securing the U.S.-Mexico border due to the lack of action from the federal government. In an effort to recoup the costs incurred, Texas Republican Rep. Roger Williams introduced the “Operation Lone Star Reimbursement Act” on February 16, 2024. This legislation aims to reimburse Texas for the nearly $4 billion it spent on securing the southern border from 2020 through 2023.

The bill, titled the “Operation Lone Star Reimbursement Act,” was introduced to help maintain safety and security for all citizens in the U.S. Texas has protected Americans from criminal acts such as human trafficking, sex trafficking, drug proliferation, illicit movement of weapons and contraband, criminal organizations, and unlawful entry. The bill noted that Texas spent over $800,000,000 in 2020 and 2021 and over $2,926,400,000 in 2022 through 2023 to secure the border. The state also plans to spend an additional $4,600,000,000 from 2024 through 2025.

The bill calls on Texas to submit an application for reimbursement to the secretary of Homeland Security and the secretary of the Treasury Department that includes the total amount the state spent on securing the southern border over the last four years. If the measure passes and is signed into law, the Treasury secretary “shall pay to the State of Texas, out of any amounts in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, an amount equal to the total amount of expenses” outlined in the bill within 60 days of Texas filing the application.

Rep. Roger Williams, who serves as chair of the House Small Business Committee, stated, “Since Biden refuses to do his job and safeguard the American people, Texas has been forced to step up to protect our homes and communities, and we must be reimbursed.” He added, “Texas has spent billions to help maintain the safety and security of all citizens across the United States and fight back against deadly human trafficking, sex trafficking, drug and cartel activity, and seemingly endless unlawful entries that are draining Texas’ resources.”

The legislation comes amid Texas’ ongoing feud with President Biden and his administration over border security. Earlier this year, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Texas over a state law that allows authorities to arrest illegal immigrants. The lawsuit pitted Republican Gov. Greg Abbott against the Biden administration, further escalating the tension between the two parties.

Under the Texas law, migrants could either agree to a judge’s order to leave the U.S. or be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges of illegal entry. Those who don’t leave could face serious felony charges if arrested again. Those ordered to leave would be sent to ports of entry along the border with Mexico, even if they are not Mexican citizens. The law can be enforced anywhere in Texas, but some places are off-limits, including schools and churches.

The border crisis has been a contentious issue in the U.S. politics, with Democrats and Republicans having differing opinions on how to address it. House Democrats recently unveiled an immigration and border reform plan, while GOP senators urged the Biden administration to end a “racist” policy in CHIPS grant approval. The issue is expected to be a pivotal election issue in the upcoming midterm elections.

In conclusion, the “Operation Lone Star Reimbursement Act” is a significant step towards ensuring that Texas is reimbursed for the billions it has spent on securing the southern border. The legislation highlights the need for the federal government to uphold its duty to defend the borders and the resources that states have to invest in border security due to the lack of federal action. The bill’s passage and implementation would not only provide financial relief to Texas but also contribute to maintaining the safety and security of all citizens in the U.S.