Congressman Roger Williams of Texas just unveiled a bill called the “Operation Lone Star Reimbursement Act.” It would, as its title implies, reimburse Texas for the massive amount it has so far spent on its Operation Lone Star border defense operation. That operation has seen Texas erect barbed wire barriers, install floating barriers in the Rio Grande, and take over border defense from the federal government in some areas, much to its fury.
As background, the office of Congressman Williams noted that Teas has spent a substantial amount on border security in recent years. According to his office, Texas spent “More than $800,000,000 in 2020-2021,” “More than $2,926,400,000 in 2022-2023.” and “The State of Texas plans to spend an additional $4,600,000,000 to secure the border in the 2024-2025.”
The bill, referencing those immense costs, notes that they should have been borne by the federal government and so Texas should be reimbursed for them. It claims, “The Federal Government is primarily responsible for securing the borders of the United States at and between ports of entry. Due to the lack of action by the Federal Government, the State of Texas has been forced to continually appropriate funds to secure the southern border of the United States.”
Further, the bill notes that Texas spent those immense sums in an effort to “help maintain safety and security for all citizens” in the U.S. by protecting them from criminal acts of human trafficking, sex trafficking, drug proliferation, illicit movement of weapons and contraband, criminal organizations and unlawful entry.
Demanding reimbursement for Texas, the bill provides, “Not later than 60 days after the State of Texas submits an application for reimburse18 ment pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury 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 described.”
Congressman Williams, in a statement about the bill released by his office, said, “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. I am proud to introduce the Operation Lone Star Reimbursement Act to ensure Texans don’t have to continually shell out taxpayer dollars to secure the southern border of the United States.”
He continued, “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. It’s past time Biden recognizes this crisis for what it is and stands with Texans to secure our nation.”
Governor Abbott, for his part, recently announced the expansion of Operation Lone Star, saying, “In Texas, we’ve been able to achieve a decrease in illegal crossings only because of great teamwork. Part of that teamwork is our partnership with the Texas National Guard, and we are currently working with the Texas Military Department to add more razor wire, anti-climb barrier, and personnel. The tools and strategies that DPS and the Texas Military Department use to secure the border would not happen without members of the Texas Legislature, like those with me here today. Working together, we will expand current operations in other parts of the border to decrease illegal immigration and ensure that we add more soldiers in the border region.”
Watch Texas deploy border defenses here:
Featured image credit: Office of Gov. Abbott
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