Us Congress House Bill HB672

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/8/23

Caption

Border Security Investment Act

Impact

If enacted, HB672 would significantly alter the financial structure supporting border security initiatives by creating a direct funnel for funding through remittance fees. It establishes a sustainable funding mechanism that is expected to support state and federal efforts toward border management and security. Border states would have a clearer pathway for reimbursement of their expenditures related to the enforcement of immigration laws, potentially enhancing operational efficiency and responsiveness to border-related challenges.

Summary

House Bill 672, titled the 'Border Security Investment Act', aims to establish specific trust funds related to border security. The bill proposes the creation of a Border Security State Reimbursement Trust Fund designed to assist border states with financial resources for expenditures incurred in border enforcement activities. This fund would receive a portion of fees collected from remittance transfers to certain countries identified as having the most citizens unlawfully entering the United States. Specifically, the funds will facilitate initiatives like deploying technology to deter unlawful crossings and support for U.S. Border Patrol agents.

Contention

The introduction of this bill might generate discussions regarding the potential economic impact of increased remittance fees on individuals sending money to the covered countries. Stakeholders might debate whether linking border security funding to remittance transfer fees is an effective financial strategy or an additional burden on those who support families in other nations. Moreover, the distribution mechanism of the trust funds could lead to contention among border states regarding how reimbursement amounts are calculated and disbursed, potentially favoring some states over others.