Texas House Bill HCR52

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 resolution addresses the ongoing challenge faced by Texas in managing border security amidst what the lawmakers describe as insufficient federal action. By spending substantial amounts on its own border security, Texas is shifting resources away from other essential services. This situation not only affects the balance of the state's budget but also exacerbates the tension between state and federal responsibilities. The long-term impact could lead to increased pressure on the state’s financial resources as it bears responsibilities that some argue should lie with the federal government.

Summary

HCR52 is a concurrent resolution by the Texas Legislature urging Congress to reimburse the State of Texas for the financial burdens it has incurred in securing the Texas-Mexico international border. The resolution highlights the federal government's obligation to maintain border security, which it argues has been neglected, leading to increased crime and threats to public safety. The Texas Legislature points out that the state has spent over $2.8 billion since 2013 on border security measures, including significant funds allocated to various state departments such as Criminal Justice and Health and Human Services. This financial strain has necessitated difficult decisions in budget allocations for other state services.

Sentiment

There appears to be broad support for HCR52 among those who are concerned about border security and the economic implications of funding it at the state level. The sentiment among supporters indicates a strong feeling that the federal government has failed in its duty, and thus Texas should be compensated for its expenditures. However, there may also be underlying tensions with opponents who could view the resolution as a lack of accountability at the federal level or an overreliance on federal resources without sufficient state planning.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding HCR52 revolves around the pressing issues of border security, the adequacy of federal efforts, and the financial liability that the state has chosen to shoulder as a result. While many legislators may agree on the need for robust border security, the economic ramifications of the expenditures pose significant questions. The resolution seeks specific reimbursement for funds spent from 2013 to 2016, a request that may not have widespread support at the federal level. This conflict highlights the complex dynamics between state needs and federal responsibilities in matters of security and law enforcement.