Us Senator John Cornyn (TX) | Twitter Website
Us Senator John Cornyn (TX) | Twitter Website
U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Maggie Hassan have announced the signing of their DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act into law. This legislation mandates that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Under Secretary for Management must provide a report evaluating contracts for services along the U.S.-Mexico border. The aim is to enhance procurement and delivery processes.
Senator Cornyn expressed his commitment to streamlining government procedures, particularly at the southern border. "As a founding member of the Senate DOGE Caucus, I’m interested in any and every opportunity to streamline government processes, including at our southern border," he stated. He emphasized that the law will identify methods to protect taxpayer dollars while supporting Border Patrol agents and other personnel safeguarding Texans.
Senator Hassan highlighted the bipartisan nature of this initiative as a means to bolster border security efforts. "We need to continue working across the aisle to strengthen border security," she remarked. "This bipartisan legislation is one additional way to better achieve that mission, and I am pleased that the President has signed it into law." She noted that it would help ensure effective operations by DHS and its contractors at the border.
In parallel, U.S. Representatives Josh Brecheen and Mark Green spearheaded companion legislation in the House.
The backdrop of this legislative effort includes past reports from the DHS Office of Inspector General citing instances where U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) did not timely secure adequate facilities for detaining illegal migrants or providing medical services.
The new law aims to prevent such issues by requiring an assessment of contracts worth at least $50 million performed by contractor personnel along the southern border. It also obligates DHS to devise a strategy and plan for improved service procurement and delivery, taking into account how these contracts affect Border Patrol agents' ability to fulfill their primary duties.
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