This legislation is positioned to impact federal border policy significantly, requiring a clear plan from the Department of Defense (DoD) within a tight timeline for utilizing existing materials. It aims to streamline logistics and reduce costs currently spent on storing unused materials. Additionally, the bill stipulates penalties for states that fail to utilize the materials for their intended purpose, showcasing a push for accountability in managing federal resources intended for border security.
Summary
House Bill 5130, titled the 'Finish It Act', mandates the Secretary of Defense to utilize, transfer, or donate all excess construction materials designated for the border wall along the southwest border of the United States. The bill reflects a sense of urgency regarding border security, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges associated with illegal human and vehicle trafficking. Proponents aim to repurpose stored materials instead of incurring costs to maintain and secure them unnecessarily, advocating for enhanced border security measures through physical barriers.
Conclusion
Ultimately, HB5130 embodies a push for more assertive border security measures, reflecting ongoing tensions over immigration policy. The success of this bill will depend on subsequent actions taken by the Secretary of Defense and the cooperation of state governments in deploying the materials effectively.
Contention
The bill arises from a backdrop of divisive opinions on immigration and border policy in the United States. Supporters argue that the legislation is crucial for enhancing national security, while critics may contend that it prioritizes physical barriers over comprehensive immigration reform and does not address root causes of border issues. Moreover, the penalty structure introduced in the bill raises questions about state autonomy in managing border security initiatives and could lead to legal challenges regarding states' rights.
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.
Secure the Border Act of 2023 This bill addresses issues regarding immigration and border security, including by imposing limits to asylum eligibility. For example, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume activities to construct a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border; provides statutory authorization for Operation Stonegarden, which provides grants to law enforcement agencies for certain border security operations; prohibits DHS from processing the entry of non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) arriving between ports of entry; limits asylum eligibility to non-U.S. nationals who arrive in the United States at a port of entry; authorizes the removal of a non-U.S. national to a country other than that individual's country of nationality or last lawful habitual residence, whereas currently this type of removal may only be to a country that has an agreement with the United States for such removal; expands the types of crimes that may make an individual ineligible for asylum, such as a conviction for driving while intoxicated causing another person's serious bodily injury or death; authorizes DHS to suspend the introduction of certain non-U.S. nationals at an international border if DHS determines that the suspension is necessary to achieve operational control of that border; prohibits states from imposing licensing requirements on immigration detention facilities used to detain minors; authorizes immigration officers to permit an unaccompanied alien child to withdraw their application for admission into the United States even if the child is unable to make an independent decision to withdraw the application; imposes additional penalties for overstaying a visa; and requires DHS to create an electronic employment eligibility confirmation system modeled after the E-Verify system and requires all employers to use the system.
Directs the Department of Transportation and Development to expedite procurement, planning, engineering, and design for a new Interstate 10 Calcasieu River Bridge, in cooperation with the Southwest Area Chamber's I-10 Bridge Task Force.