Texas Senate Bill SCR6

Texas 2013 - 83rd 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 during the 2012-2013 budget cycle.

Impact

This resolution highlights the financial strain that state governments face when they are forced to take on responsibilities that fall under federal jurisdiction, particularly concerning national security. The call for reimbursement aims to alleviate the fiscal pressure on Texas taxpayers, accentuating the state's argument that the federal government has an obligation to provide adequate support for border security efforts. If realized, such reimbursement could set a precedent for how states manage costs associated with federal mandates.

Summary

SCR6 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging Congress to reimburse the State of Texas for the financial burden it has borne in securing the Texas-Mexico international border. Specifically, the resolution calls for a reimbursement of $221,600,000 that Texas appropriated during the 2012-2013 budget cycle for border security operations. The resolution emphasizes that it is a federal responsibility to maintain border security, and that the state has been compelled to assume this responsibility due to federal neglect.

Contention

Notably, the resolution underscores existing issues surrounding immigration enforcement and border security in the United States. Supporters of SCR6 argue that the ongoing security challenges at the Texas-Mexico border lead to significant state expenditures and threaten public safety, including issues like drug trafficking and human trafficking. Critics, however, may point out that such resolutions could exacerbate tensions between state and federal authorities, raising questions about jurisdiction and responsibilities in handling immigration and security matters.