Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB6817

Introduced
12/14/23  
Refer
12/14/23  

Caption

To impose a fee on certain remittance transfers to fund border security.

Impact

The bill's impact centers on how remittance transfers are conducted and the associated costs. The collection of this fee aims to generate significant revenue for border security operations, including hiring and training U.S. Border Patrol agents and maintaining detention facilities. This could impact low-income families who depend on remittance services for financial support, potentially increasing their costs when sending money abroad.

Summary

House Bill 6817 introduces a fee on certain remittance transfers to fund border security initiatives. This new legislation amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to mandate that remittance transfer providers collect a fee equivalent to 10% of the amount being transferred if the recipient is located outside the United States. The funds collected will be channeled into a newly established Border Enforcement Trust Fund aimed at enhancing U.S. border security measures.

Contention

Points of contention may arise from the introduction of this fee, as advocates for immigrant rights may argue that it disproportionately affects lower-income individuals or families who regularly send remittances to support relatives in their home countries. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the enforcement of penalties under the bill, which could include substantial fines and imprisonment for those attempting to evade the fee.

Regulatory_changes

The establishment of the Border Enforcement Trust Fund and the associated fee mechanisms represent a significant shift in the regulatory landscape surrounding international money transfers. This bill could set a precedent for future legislation that seeks to levy fees on financial transactions in the name of national security or other governmental priorities.

Companion Bills

US SB3516

Same As A bill to impose a fee on certain remittance transfers to fund border security.

Previously Filed As

US SB3516

A bill to impose a fee on certain remittance transfers to fund border security.

US HB445

Border Security Investment ActThis bill imposes a fee on the electronic transfer of funds (i.e., remittances) sent to certain countries and provides funding for border security activities from the collected amounts.Specifically, the fee shall apply to remittances sent through money services business to one of the five countries that had the most citizens or nationals unlawfully enter the United States in the previous fiscal year, as determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The fee must be 37% of the amount sent.Half of the money collected by the fee must be placed in a trust fund for reimbursing border states for expenses incurred for border security enforcement measures. The other half must be placed in another trust fund for (1) deploying technology and installing physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border, and (2) paying the wages and salaries of U.S. Border Patrol agents.If the amount in the trust funds exceeds a certain threshold, the excess money must be used only for deficit reduction.

US HB4274

Remittance Expense Minimization and Integrity for Transfers Act

US HB76

Fund and Complete the Border Wall ActThis 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 going to the border barrier account.By December 31, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security 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 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 HB9597

Federal Acquisition Security Council Improvement Act of 2024

US HB6216

Promoting National Security and Preserving Access to Public Land in Southern Nevada Act of 2023

US HB5839

Maritime Border Security Technology Improvement Act

US HB7106

National Oceans and Coastal Security Improvements Act of 2024

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