Texas Republicans seek billions in federal reimbursement for border security costs under Biden administration.

Legislation Targets Border Expenses Since January 2021

Texas lawmakers have introduced new legislation aimed at recovering billions in state funds spent on securing the southern border during the Biden administration. The bill, titled the State Border Security Assistance Act, would authorize the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to reimburse Texas and other states for expenses related to immigration enforcement incurred after January 20, 2021—the day President Joe Biden was inaugurated.

Under the proposal, reimbursements would cover expenditures for border wall construction, state-level law enforcement activities, the detention and prosecution of illegal immigrants, and related operations. Any unspent funds would be returned to the U.S. Treasury to help pay down the national debt at the end of the current administration’s term.

The bill was introduced by Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, and co-sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas. Companion legislation is being prepared by Representative Chip Roy, R-Texas.

Texas Cites Need to Act Amid Federal Inaction

Senator Cruz criticized the Biden administration’s border policies in a statement announcing the legislation. “Texas was on the front lines of the Biden administration’s open border crisis, and Texans were on their own dealing with the consequences,” he said. “I am proud to stand with Governor Abbott and Senator Cornyn to ensure the Lone Star State is reimbursed.”

Cornyn echoed this sentiment, citing what he called the federal government’s failure to secure the border. “My bill will ensure the Lone Star State is repaid for stepping up to protect and defend our nation’s southern border while the Biden-Harris administration abdicated its federal duty,” he stated.

The senators praised the current administration under President Donald Trump for what they described as a renewed commitment to enforcing immigration laws. Cornyn acknowledged the efforts of Trump, Secretary Kristi Noem, Border Czar Tom Homan, and Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks in restoring border control operations.

Representative Roy added that the policies under Biden and former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had created what he called “an invasion of lawlessness, crime, danger, and drugs.” Roy argued that Texas took action to safeguard the country in the absence of federal leadership and now deserves to be compensated for doing so.

Abbott Lists Reimbursement Priorities

Governor Greg Abbott has released a list of expenditures that Texas seeks to recoup through the proposed legislation. These include $58 million for concertina wire and border fencing, $77 million in court costs related to illegal immigration prosecutions, and nearly $20 million spent investigating vehicle thefts in border communities.

The legislation underscores ongoing tensions between Texas and the federal government over immigration policy. It also comes as Attorney General Ken Paxton, a vocal supporter of stricter immigration enforcement, is reportedly exploring a primary challenge against Cornyn.

While the bill’s passage remains uncertain in a divided Congress, it reflects a growing push by state-level Republicans to hold Washington accountable for border enforcement obligations.