First appearance on Fox: Republican House members have introduced a bill aimed at reimbursing Texas for the roughly $4 billion it has spent securing its southern border in recent years.
The bill, titled the “Operation Lone Star Redemption Act,” was introduced Thursday night by Texas Republican Rep. Roger Williams and, if successful, would reduce the total amount spent on activities related to securing the southern border from 2020 to 2023. It would repay the state $3,726.4 million. .
“The federal government is primarily responsible for securing the United States’ borders at and between ports of entry,” the bill reads. “Due to federal inaction, the state of Texas is forced to continue to appropriate funds to protect our southern border.”
In an effort to “assist in maintaining the safety and security of all citizens” of the United States, the bill would allow Texas to engage in human trafficking, sex trafficking, drug proliferation, the illegal movement of weapons and contraband, He pointed out that the United States has protected Americans from illegal activities and other criminal activities. entry.
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Migrants cross the Rio Grande River in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on December 5, 2023. (David Peinado/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The measure says Texas spent more than $800 million in 2020 and 2021 to secure its borders, and more than $2,926.4 million in 2022-2023.
The bill also states that Texas “plans to spend an additional $4.6 billion to secure our borders” from 2024 to 2025.
The bill requires Texas to submit a reimbursement application to the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of the Treasury that includes the total amount the state has spent securing its southern border over the past four years.
If this bill is passed and signed into law, the bill would require the Secretary of the Treasury to pay an amount equal to the total amount of expenses outlined to the Treasury from amounts not otherwise appropriated. stipulates that the amount shall be paid to the State of Texas. He has 60 days to make his claim after the state of Texas files its application.
“As the border crisis escalates, President Biden has failed in his duty to protect our borders from foreign invasion, leaving border states like Texas to fend for themselves,” Williams said in a statement to Fox News Digital. Told. “I am proud to introduce the Operation Lone Star Reimbursement Act to ensure that Texans do not have to continually spend their tax dollars to secure America’s southern border.”
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Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas) told FOX News Digital, “As Biden refuses to do his job and protect the American people, the state of Texas will step up to protect our homes and communities. We are forced to take a stand and we must pay reparations.” (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call, via Getty Images)
“As Biden refuses to do his job and protect the American people, Texas is forced to stand up to protect our homes and communities, and we will not pay reparations. Must be,” he added.
Williams’ bill comes amid a long-running feud between Texas and President Biden and his administration over efforts to secure the U.S.-Mexico border.
Earlier this year, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas over a state law that allows authorities to arrest illegal immigrants, further deepening the conflict between Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and the Biden administration.
The lawsuit, filed in Austin federal court, comes after Mr. Abbott signed a bill in December challenging the federal government’s authority on immigration matters. In addition to Biden, several blue cities, including New York and Chicago, are pushing back against Abbott for busing thousands of immigrants from his state to their jurisdictions.
Under Texas law, immigrants must agree to a judge’s order to leave the United States or face a misdemeanor charge of illegal entry. Those who do not leave could face felony charges if rearrested.
Those ordered to leave will 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 there are some places, such as schools and churches, that people are prohibited from entering.
Texas National Guard soldiers stand guard at a makeshift migrant camp near the U.S.-Mexico border fence on May 11, 2023, in El Paso, Texas. (John Moore/Getty Images)
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“Texas is committed to maintaining the safety and security of all citizens across the United States, and is committed to protecting against deadly human trafficking, sex trafficking, drug and cartel activity, and the seemingly endless illegal activities that deplete Texas’ resources.” We have spent billions of dollars fighting immigration,” Williams said. He chairs the House Small Business Committee. “It is past time for Biden to recognize this crisis for what it is and work with Texans to keep our country safe.”
Fox News’ Louis Casiano and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
