Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB199

Introduced
1/9/23  

Caption

Secure America's Borders First Act This bill prohibits using federal funds to provide certain military assistance to Ukraine until a border wall system along the U.S.-Mexico border is completed and operation control of such border is achieved. Specifically, this prohibition shall apply to funds made available to the Department of Defense and funds made available for security assistance or security cooperation.

Impact

The implications of HB 199 could fundamentally alter the landscape of U.S. foreign aid policy, especially regarding support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts. By linking military assistance to domestic border control measures, the bill reflects a growing sentiment among some lawmakers that national interests should take precedence over international commitments. This may lead to a reevaluation of how foreign aid is perceived and implemented, particularly in contexts where U.S. border security is seen as threatened.

Summary

House Bill 199, known as the 'Secure America's Borders First Act', proposes a significant change to the allocation of federal funds concerning military and security assistance to Ukraine. Specifically, the bill stipulates that no funds may be obligated or expended for these purposes until the U.S.-Mexico border achieves operational control and a physical border wall system is completed. This initiative emphasizes the prioritization of border security before any foreign military aid is considered, which proponents argue aligns with national security interests.

Contention

The bill is likely to spark considerable debate within Congress and among advocacy groups focused on U.S. foreign policy and national security. Critics may argue that tying military aid to border control not only jeopardizes U.S. alliances but also undermines the urgency of providing support to Ukraine during a critical period. They may contend that such a position reflects a narrow approach to national security that fails to adequately consider international relationships and humanitarian obligations.

Exceptions

Moreover, the provisions of the bill include specific definitions for what constitutes a 'border wall system', which includes a 30-foot high steel barrier, access roads, lighting, and surveillance technologies. The bill's detailed requirements could fuel further discussions about the financial and logistical feasibility of achieving these security measures, alongside the potential repercussions for U.S. relations with other nations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB163

Security First Act This bill reauthorizes the Operation Stonegarden program from FY2024 through FY2027 and addresses other border security issues. (Operation Stonegarden provides grants to enhance the border security capabilities of state, local, and tribal governments.) From FY2024 through FY2027, the money from unreported monetary instruments seized from individuals crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and transferred into the Department of the Treasury general fund shall be made available without further appropriation to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fund Operation Stonegarden. DHS must report to Congress on (1) DHS hiring practices from 2018 to 2021, and (2) whether certain Mexican drug cartels meet the criteria to be designated as foreign terrorist organizations. DHS must also periodically report to Congress about the technology needed to secure the U.S.-Mexico land border.

US HB10334

The Security Assistance Funding Availability Act of 2024

US HB3464

State Border Security Assistance Act

US HB164

Close Biden's Open Border Act This bill provides $15 billion for the Department of Homeland Security to construct a border wall along the southern border of the United States. It also imposes a two-year moratorium on funding for U.S. contributions to the United Nations (U.N.). During the two-year period, funds may not be authorized or otherwise made available for contributions to the U.N.

US SB1790

State Border Security Assistance Act

US SB1600

Border Management, Security, and Assistance Act of 2023 Border Management Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023

US HB4872

Securing Our Borders and Wilderness Act

US HB114

Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act This bill establishes funding for a U.S.-Mexico border barrier and revises how border patrol agents are compensated for overtime. The Department of the Treasury shall set up an account for funding the design, construction, and maintenance of the barrier. The funds in the account are appropriated only for that purpose and for vehicles and equipment for border patrol agents. For each fiscal year, financial assistance to a country shall be reduced by $2,000 for each citizen or national of that country apprehended for illegally entering the United States through its southern border. The reduced amount shall be transferred to the border barrier account. The Department of State may opt not to reduce amounts appropriated to Mexico for various military and law enforcement-related activities. This bill establishes a 5% fee on foreign remittance transfers and increases the fee for the arrival/departure I-94 form for various aliens entering the United States, with part of the fees to go into the border barrier account. By December 31, 2023, DHS shall (1) take all actions necessary, including constructing barriers, to prevent illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico barrier; and (2) achieve operational control over all U.S. international borders. The bill changes how border patrol agents receive overtime pay when working up to 100 hours in a two-week period. For hours worked above 80, an agent shall receive at least 150% of the agent's regular hourly rate.

US HB672

Border Security Investment Act

US HB506

Security First ActThis bill reauthorizes the Operation Stonegarden program from FY2025 through FY2028 and addresses other border security issues. (Operation Stonegarden provides grants to enhance the border security capabilities of state, local, and tribal governments.)From FY2025 through FY2028, the money from unreported monetary instruments seized from individuals crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and transferred into the Department of the Treasury general fund shall be made available without further appropriation to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fund Operation Stonegarden.DHS must report to Congress on (1) DHS hiring practices from 2018 to 2024, and (2) whether certain criminal gangs and Mexican drug cartels meet the criteria to be designated as foreign terrorist organizations. DHS must also periodically report to Congress about the technology needed to secure the U.S.-Mexico land border.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.