TRASHED Border Act Trash Reduction And Suppressing Harm from Environmental Degradation at the Border Act
Impact
The bill has established specific protocols to prevent and mitigate environmental degradation caused by unlawful encroachments on federal lands. It requires that policies are put in place to reduce trash accumulation and protect ecologically sensitive areas. Furthermore, the bill sets strict deadlines for implementing these policies and mandates detailed reporting mechanisms to ensure progress towards reduction goals is tracked and assessed regularly.
Summary
House Bill 6208, titled the 'Trash Reduction And Suppressing Harm from Environmental Degradation at the Border Act' or 'TRASHED Border Act', is designed to address the issue of waste accumulation on federal lands along the southern border of the United States. The bill mandates that the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture submit a report detailing the amount of waste collected in specific areas, especially where individuals without lawful immigration status are found. This initiative aims to mitigate environmental damage caused by such waste and enhance accountability for waste management on federal lands.
Contention
Key points of contention surrounding HB6208 include its implications for immigration policy and the responsibilities of federal authorities. Critics may view the focus on individuals without lawful immigration status as targeting specific populations while potentially neglecting broader issues of waste management. Additionally, there are concerns about the enforcement of penalties and fines against these individuals for littering and violations of sanitation regulations, which some argue could lead to unjust legal consequences. Supporters, on the other hand, argue that the bill is critical for maintaining the integrity of public lands and ensuring ecological preservation.
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.
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)