U.S. Senator John Cornyn introduced a bill to reimburse Texas for over $11 billion spent on Operation Lone Star, the state’s border security mission initiated due to perceived federal inaction under President Biden’s administration. The legislation, cosponsored by Sen. Ted Cruz and led in the House by Congressman Chip Roy, aims to address financial burdens borne by Texas taxpayers.
Senator Cornyn emphasized, “For four years, Governor Abbott and Texas taxpayers were forced to bear the brunt of the Biden-Harris border crisis.” He added that his bill would ensure reimbursement for Texas’s efforts to secure the southern border during what he described as federal negligence.
Congressman Roy echoed these sentiments, stating, “Joe Biden and Alejandro Mayorkas’s dereliction of duty led to an invasion of lawlessness… putting Texans and every American in harm’s way.” He argued that states like Texas deserve reimbursement from the federal government.
The proposed State Border Security Assistance Act would establish funds within the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security. These funds would reimburse states for actions taken after January 20, 2021, including border wall construction and surveillance activities. The act also stipulates that any remaining money will be returned to the Treasury for debt reduction after its expiration at the end of the Trump Administration.
Senator Cornyn has actively supported Governor Abbott’s request for reimbursement through various legislative strategies and meetings with key figures.
