Texas Senate Bill SCR35

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Urging Congress to reimburse the State of Texas for bearing the financial burden of the federal government's responsibility to secure the Texas-Mexico international border.

Impact

The financial implications of SCR35 are profound as it calls for the reimbursement of approximately $1.49 billion to the State of Texas. This reimbursement is considered crucial by state legislators who argue that these funds are needed to alleviate the financial pressure placed on Texas taxpayers. Legislators expressed that the expenses incurred for border security should rightly be a federal responsibility, and the current fiscal burden undermines the state's ability to fund other critical services.

Summary

SCR35 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that addresses the pressing issue of border security along the Texas-Mexico international border. The bill asserts that the federal government holds a primary responsibility for the security of this border, yet has failed to adequately fulfill this duty. As a result, Texas has incurred significant financial burdens to secure the border, which the resolution quantifies in billions spent from 2012 to 2017. The resolution urges Congress to take action not only to improve border security but also to reimburse Texas for the expenses it has borne on behalf of the federal government's oversight.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR35 appears to be largely supportive among legislators who see it as a necessary assertion of state interests in the face of federal inaction. The resolution reflects frustration with the federal government and a sense of urgency regarding border security concerns, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and potential threats to national security. However, there may also be dissenting voices who could argue about the effectiveness of such resolutions in generating real policy change.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the debate over federal versus state jurisdiction in matters of border security and immigration. While proponents of SCR35 advocate for fleshing out the responsibilities of the federal government, critics may question the practicality of reimbursement demands and the broader implications for federal-state relations. This debate may encompass the effectiveness of current policies and whether financial compensation would lead to improved security outcomes or merely serve as a political gesture.