U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has introduced legislation seeking to reimburse the State of Texas for the over $11 billion spent on Operation Lone Star, the state’s border security mission.
The initiative, launched in response to what Texas lawmakers describe as President Biden’s “dereliction of duty,” aims to secure the southern border. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) is co-sponsoring the bill in the Senate, while Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) will spearhead the effort in the House.
The proposed legislation, titled the “State Border Security Assistance Act,” seeks to establish funds within the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to reimburse states for border security measures taken after January 20, 2021.
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This includes costs related to border wall construction, surveillance, and the apprehension, detention, and prosecution of individuals who illegally entered the United States. The bill specifically aims to ensure Texas is fully reimbursed for its expenditures.
“For four years, Governor Abbott and Texas taxpayers were forced to bear the brunt of the Biden-Harris border crisis. Today, I am proud to introduce my legislation to reimburse Texas for its historic efforts to secure the southern border. My bill will ensure the Lone Star State is repaid for stepping up to protect and defend our nation’s southern border while the Biden-Harris administration abdicated its federal duty.”
“Texas was on the frontlines of the Biden administration’s open border crisis, and Texans were on their own dealing with the consequences,” said Sen. Cruz. “I am proud to stand with Governor Abbott and Senator Cornyn to ensure the Lone Star State is reimbursed, and I urge my colleagues to pass this bill expeditiously.”
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Congressman Roy criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the border, characterizing it as an “invasion of lawlessness, crime, danger, and drugs.” He argued that states like Texas, which “stood on the front lines to defend our nation when the federal government would not,” deserve reimbursement.
The legislation stipulates that the reimbursement funds would sunset at the end of the Trump Administration, with any remaining money returned to the Treasury for debt reduction.
Senator Cornyn has been actively involved in advocating for federal reimbursement, including supporting Governor Abbott’s initial request, addressing the Senate floor, and engaging in discussions with Texas congressional delegation members.
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