Texas Governor Greg Abbott has formally requested $11.1 billion in federal reimbursements for border security costs incurred under Operation Lone Star and border wall construction since 2021. Citing federal inaction, Abbott argues the state has been forced to bear the financial burden of securing the U.S.-Mexico border.
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott has sought $11.1 billion from the federal government to address border security costs accumulated since 2021. In correspondence directed to leaders of the U.S. House and Senate, Abbott expressed his disapproval of federal border security policies implemented by the Biden administration, asserting that they rendered Texas “defenseless” and compelled the state to invest billions in initiatives such as Operation Lone Star and the construction of a border wall.
Abbott's proposal encompasses a comprehensive outline of expenditures:
Although Abbott's current request is without precedent, Texas has previously utilized approximately $1 billion in federal funding for border operations by reallocating resources from the Coronavirus Relief Fund and other avenues. The $11 billion request arises during a period of increased political attention on border security, with former President Donald Trump recently commending Abbott’s initiatives.
The request has initiated additional measures in Texas. Rep. Cole Hefner, R-Mount Pleasant, has introduced a resolution calling on the state Legislature to request the $11 billion from the federal government.
Abbott's letter highlights the necessity for federal assistance, referring to the border as "the nation’s number one issue." The uncertainty surrounding Congress's response to this significant reimbursement request persists.
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