S.481 - Securing our Border Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.481, the "Securing our Border Act," aims to reprogram unobligated funds from the IRS enforcement account to bolster border security. The bill allocates funds for nonintrusive inspection systems at ports of entry and for the construction of a border wall system. It also authorizes recruitment, retention, and relocation bonuses for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would shift resources from IRS enforcement to border security measures, potentially enhancing border control capabilities. This could lead to reduced illicit drug trafficking and increased apprehension of individuals attempting to cross the border illegally. The impact on IRS operations would depend on the magnitude of the reprogrammed funds and the agency's ability to adapt.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced border security through improved inspection technology.
- Reduced flow of illicit narcotics, potentially saving lives.
- Increased apprehension of illegal border crossers.
- Improved morale and staffing levels for CBP agents through bonuses.
- Potential reduction in the immigration court backlog by deterring illegal immigration.
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced funding for IRS enforcement, potentially impacting tax collection.
- Possible delays or cost overruns in border wall construction.
- Potential negative impact on the environment due to border wall construction.
- May face legal challenges related to immigration and border policies.
- Possible strain on relationships with neighboring countries.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on border security aligns with the federal government's responsibility to provide for the common defense and ensure domestic tranquility, as outlined in the Preamble of the US Constitution. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and to establish uniform rules of naturalization, which implicitly supports the regulation of immigration and border control. However, the specific allocation of funds and the implementation of border security measures could raise questions related to due process (Amendments V and XIV) and equal protection under the law (Amendment XIV) if not implemented fairly and consistently.
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).