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.
In addition to funding for the border wall, HB164 introduces a two-year moratorium on any U.S. financial contributions to the United Nations. This aspect of the bill reflects a contentious view that U.S. resources should be prioritized for domestic concerns rather than supporting international organizations. This could therefore reshape the nature of the U.S.'s role in global diplomacy and humanitarian efforts, especially in relation to funding international treaties and partnerships.
House Bill 164, titled the 'Close Biden’s Open Border Act', proposes a substantial allocation of $15 billion for the construction of a border wall along the southern border of the United States under the supervision of the Department of Homeland Security. This legislative action is consistent with a broader Republican agenda to enhance border security and limit illegal immigration. The bill is positioned as a response to perceived weaknesses in current immigration policies, advocating for a more fortified boundary as a means of controlling the flow of migrants crossing into the U.S.
The measure is likely to spur significant debate amongst legislators, particularly regarding its implications for foreign relations and domestic spending priorities. Supporters argue that investing in border security is critical for national safety, while opponents may claim that the moratorium on U.N. contributions undermines the U.S.'s commitment to global cooperation and issues such as climate change and humanitarian aid. This tension illustrates the ongoing divide in Congress regarding immigration policy and the fiscal responsibilities of the United States on the global stage.