Houston Daily

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul has announced the House's approval of a provision that will reimburse border states, primarily Texas, with $12 billion for costs incurred in securing the border under the Biden administration. McCaul, who serves as vice chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security, has been advocating for this measure alongside GOP leadership and Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green.

Vice Chairman McCaul stated, “It’s the federal government’s job to secure the homeland, yet the Biden/Harris administration abdicated its duty and abandoned our states on the frontlines of the border crisis. As Texans know, our state bore the brunt of that abject failure, both societally and financially.” He expressed pride in helping secure this provision which aims to compensate Texas for its efforts through Operation Lone Star.

Speaker Mike Johnson also supported McCaul's efforts by saying, “Thanks to Rep. McCaul, states that stepped up to protect Americans in the face of Biden’s border catastrophe will be reimbursed for doing the work the Biden Administration refused to do.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed gratitude towards Congress for including $12 billion in their reconciliation package. He said, “This is a national issue that Texas was proud to address, and we are grateful for the allocation that reduces the financial burden that Texas incurred.”

Chairman Mark Green emphasized how every state became a "border state" under current policies but noted that communities along the Southwest border faced significant challenges. He praised Congress's decision stating it would help keep U.S. borders secure.

The provision was included in House Republicans' reconciliation package via a manager’s amendment and allocates $12 billion in grants for expenses related to actions taken since January 21, 2021. The majority of these funds are expected to go towards reimbursing Texas due to its substantial spending on border security over recent years.