Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Maggie Hassan have announced that their bipartisan legislation, the DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act, has successfully passed the Senate and is now on its way to the President for approval. The act mandates the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Under Secretary for Management to deliver a comprehensive report evaluating contracts for services conducted along the U.S.-Mexico border. Additionally, it requires the development of a plan aimed at enhancing procurement and service delivery.

Senator Cornyn emphasized his commitment to optimizing government processes, particularly at the southern border. "As a founding member of the Senate DOGE Caucus, I’m looking for any and every opportunity to streamline government processes, including at our southern border," he stated. He highlighted that this legislation seeks to identify methods to protect taxpayer dollars while supporting personnel like Border Patrol agents and CBP officers who are dedicated to safeguarding Texas.

Senator Hassan echoed the importance of bipartisan efforts in bolstering border security. "We need to continue working across the aisle to strengthen border security," she said. She noted that this legislation is an additional measure towards achieving effective operations by DHS and its contractors at the border.

In parallel, Representatives Josh Brecheen and Mark Green spearheaded companion legislation in the House.

The initiative responds to findings from DHS's Office of Inspector General which identified past failures by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in timely contracting for necessary facilities and medical services for detained migrants. To address such issues, this bill mandates assessments of contracts valued at $50 million or more for services rendered by contractor personnel along the southern border. Furthermore, it requires DHS to formulate a strategy with an implementation plan aimed at improving procurement efficiency and service delivery effectiveness while considering how these contracts impact Border Patrol agents' primary mission responsibilities.