Us Congress House Bill HB989

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/23
• Refer: 2/14/23
• Refer: 2/15/23
• Refer: 2/24/23
• Refer: 3/13/23
• Refer: 3/22/23

Caption

Build the Wall Now Act

Impact

The implications of HB 989 are significant for state law and border management. By codifying the need for physical barriers and tactical infrastructure, the bill prioritizes and legislates an aggressive approach to border control. It permits the use of previously appropriated funds for barrier construction and introduces legal flexibility for the Department of Homeland Security to bypass certain regulations that could delay construction efforts. This may streamline operations locally, although it raises concerns among environmental and community advocates regarding the effects of rapid construction on local ecosystems and properties.

Summary

House Bill 989, known as the 'Build the Wall Now Act', seeks to remove barriers to the construction of a border barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill mandates the immediate resumption of barrier projects that were in progress before January 20, 2021, and prevents the cancellation of existing contracts related to such construction. Furthermore, it authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to waive any legal requirements deemed necessary to expedite the construction and approval processes for these barriers.

Contention

Notably, the bill faces contention primarily over its disregard for existing laws and regulations that protect the environment and local communities. It explicitly exempts any border construction projects from numerous federal environmental laws, which may lead to ecological damage and disregards the local populations' concerns. Critics argue that lawmakers are prioritizing border security over environmental safeguards and community rights, sparking a debate about the balance between national security and local impacts.