Finish the Wall Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume activities related to the construction of a barrier system along the U.S.-Mexico border and addresses other border-related issues. DHS must resume all such construction activities that were planned or underway prior to January 20, 2021. DHS must also expend all funds appropriated or explicitly obligated since October 1, 2016, for construction of this barrier system. DHS may not cancel contracts for activities related to such construction entered into on or before January 20, 2021. Furthermore, within 14 days of this bill's enactment, DHS must certify to Congress that U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities that process adults taken into custody at the border are fully compliant with certain laws related to the collection of DNA. (Among other things, these laws allow for the collection of DNA samples from non-U.S. persons detained under U.S. authority.)
The implementation of HB336 is aimed at securing the U.S. borders by reinforcing physical barriers and improving border enforcement capabilities. The requirements outlined in the bill for DHS to develop plans for resuming construction and ensuring compliance with laws related to DNA collection at Customs and Border Protection facilities reflect a significant regulatory push for increased safety and security measures along the border. This development is rooted in concerns regarding illegal immigration and border security, pushing forward a narrative of stricter enforcement as a response to perceived challenges in governance around these issues.
House Bill 336, titled the 'Finish the Wall Act', mandates the resumption of construction on the U.S.-Mexico border barrier as envisioned prior to January 20, 2021. Under this legislation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is required to initiate construction activities immediately within 24 hours of enactment and cannot cancel any contracts related to this task. The bill emphasizes the use of funds that have been appropriated or obligated for the border wall system since October 1, 2016, ensuring that financial resources are utilized for this initiative as mandated by previous congressional actions.
While supporters of the 'Finish the Wall Act' argue that it is essential for national security and effective immigration control, opponents may see it as a contentious move that reallocates resources without effectively addressing the root causes of migration or the operational needs of border agents. Concerns are also raised regarding the implications of DNA collection practices and the potential for privacy violations. The bill's clear directive to resume construction activities may incite debates about costs, ongoing efficacy, and the environmental impact of such construction, suggesting that while the bill advances a clear agenda, it could face significant opposition grounded in diverse perspectives on border management.