North Austin News

 

Bill Addresses Immediate Threats of President Biden’s Historic Border Crisis, Includes McCaul Provision on State Reimbursement

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), former chairman and current member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, joined Chairman Mark Green (R-Tenn.) and GOP committee members in introducing their border security bill, the Border Reinforcement Act of 2023.

“As chairman emeritus of this committee and a former federal prosecutor tasked with securing the Texas border, one thing is clear to me: The border has never been so out-of-control,” said Rep. McCaul. “President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas have abdicated their duty to protect the homeland. Thankfully, the American people entrusted House Republicans to pick up the administration’s slack. Today we are delivering on our promises by introducing this practical border legislation, drafted alongside those who know best — our outstanding border patrol officers.”

“Following over five million illegal encounters at our Southwest border, a worsening crisis at our Northern and Maritime borders, and the record number of lives lost to fentanyl poisoning across the country, it is clear this administration does not have the operational control it claims. Today, this Committee introduced real border security solutions crafted with the insight of those who pay the cost of this crisis every day: frontline Border Patrol agents, their families, local business owners, state and local law enforcement, as well as farmers and ranchers," said Chairman Green. "This legislation demands transparency from DHS and ensures CBP and border states have the infrastructure, personnel, and technology needed to take back control of our sovereign borders. It’s time to put the cartels in their place and put the protection of our communities first. This border crisis is one of the greatest security threats facing the American people. Republicans on the Homeland Security Committee won’t stand by and let it continue. It is critical that we deliver on our Commitment to America by passing the Border Reinforcement Act of 2023—there is far too much at stake to not get this right.”

The bill includes a McCaul provision that would require the Government Office of Accountability (GAO) to conduct a study on the costs incurred by states to secure the southern border in the absence of the federal government, as well as the feasibility of a reimbursement program.

“They say every state is a border state, but states like Texas have been forced to pay exorbitant and disparate costs to combat this crisis and keep our nation secure. My provision would bring those costs to light — ensuring the Biden administration cannot ignore the sacrifices made by southwest border states,” said Rep. McCaul.

For the full bill text, click here. For a factsheet in English, click here. For a factsheet in Spanish, click here.

 

Original source can be found here.