Measure targets bolstered southern border security

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), current member and former chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, current Chairman Mark Green (R-TN), and GOP committee members introduced the Border Reinforcement Act of 2023, which seeks to bolster southern border security.

“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,” McCaul said. “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.”

Bill proponents maintain the bill requires the Government Office of Accountability (GAO) to conduct a study focusing on the costs incurred by states to secure the southern border in the absence of the federal government and the feasibility of a reimbursement program.

“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,” Green said.

According to Green, the measure demands Department of Homeland Security (DHS) transparency and ensures CBP and border states have the infrastructure, personnel, and technology needed to take back control of the nation’s borders.

“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,” McCaul said. “My provision would bring those costs to light — ensuring the Biden administration cannot ignore the sacrifices made by southwest border states.”