H.R.1222 - Operation Lone Star Reimbursement Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1222, the "Operation Lone Star Reimbursement Act," seeks to reimburse the State of Texas for $11.1 billion spent on securing the southern border between January 20, 2021, and January 19, 2025. The bill requires the Governor of Texas to submit an application to the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of the Treasury, detailing expenses incurred. The Secretary of Homeland Security then reviews the application and determines eligible expenses, submitting a report to Congress, after which the Secretary of the Treasury will reimburse Texas.
Expected Effects
If passed, this bill would transfer $11.1 billion (or a portion thereof as deemed eligible) from the federal treasury to the State of Texas. This could alleviate the financial burden on Texas taxpayers related to border security. The federal government would assume the financial responsibility for activities Texas undertook.
Potential Benefits
- Provides financial relief to Texas taxpayers by reimbursing state expenses on border security.
- Acknowledges the financial burden placed on Texas due to perceived federal inaction on border security.
- Potentially enhances border security by ensuring Texas has adequate resources.
- Could lead to improved public safety by combating human trafficking, drug proliferation, and other criminal activities.
- May set a precedent for federal reimbursement of state-led initiatives in areas of shared federal and state responsibility.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could set a precedent for other states to seek federal reimbursement for state-led initiatives, potentially straining the federal budget.
- Raises questions about the appropriate division of responsibility between federal and state governments regarding border security.
- May incentivize states to undertake actions without coordinating with federal authorities.
- Could be seen as a politically motivated transfer of funds to a specific state.
- The $11.1 billion reimbursement could be seen as a misuse of federal funds if the expenses are not properly vetted or deemed excessive.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill touches on issues of federalism, specifically the division of powers between the federal government and state governments. While the federal government has broad authority over immigration and border security (Article I, Section 8), states also have inherent police powers to protect their citizens. The bill's constitutionality hinges on whether the federal government can reimburse a state for exercising its police powers in an area of shared federal interest. The "general Welfare" clause of the preamble could be invoked to justify federal involvement in border security.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).