Texas Poised to Receive Billions in Border Security Reimbursement Under GOP Bill

Texas could soon receive billions in federal reimbursements for border security expenses under a Republican-led bill that passed the U.S. House. The legislation, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," includes a $12 billion allocation to repay states for costs incurred since the start of the Biden administration.

Texas, having spent more than $11 billion on its Operation Lone Star initiative, would be the primary beneficiary if the measure is enacted. The bill passed narrowly, 215-214 after last-minute amendments aimed at securing votes from both conservative and moderate Republicans. The measure now moves to the Senate, where further changes are anticipated.

Governor Greg Abbott launched Operation Lone Star in 2021, citing a lack of federal enforcement at the southern border. The program includes the deployment of over 10,000 National Guard troops and state troopers, construction of border barriers, and transportation of migrants to cities across the country.

In a January 23 letter to congressional leaders, Abbott formally requested reimbursement for Texas' expenditures, writing that "the burden that our State has borne is a direct result of a refusal by the federal government to do its job." He detailed over $3 billion spent on physical barriers and buoys, $58 million on fencing and razor wire, and nearly $6 billion on personnel.

"These costs fell squarely on the shoulders of Texas taxpayers but should have been the federal government's responsibility," Abbott wrote.

Texas Republicans in Congress have made border reimbursement a central issue. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn told the Texas Tribune earlier this month that he would not support a budget bill without full reimbursement for Texas, while Rep. Chip Roy stated that "we already spent it when it was the federal government's job. We should get paid back."

While the reimbursement funding was a late addition, GOP leaders backed the move as a response to what they describe as federal neglect. Rep. August Pfluger of San Angelo told Dallas News that:

"The reckless border policies of the previous administration created chaos nationwide and left Texas to clean up the mess. When the federal government failed to secure our border, Texas stepped up — spending billions to defend our communities"

Originally published on Latin Times