US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB1531

Introduced
3/10/23  
Refer
3/10/23  

Caption

To provide for the renewed availability of funds to construct the border wall upon the deployment of the National Guard to the southern land border of the United States, and for other purposes.

Impact

The implications of HB 1531 extend to federal funding availability and the operational directives of the Department of Homeland Security. By mandating the resumption of construction for physical barriers and infrastructure, the bill seeks to reinforce border security measures. This renewed focus on construction is likely to allocate government resources towards physical deterrence along the border, an action that proponents argue is necessary for national security, while critics may view it as an ineffective solution to immigration challenges.

Summary

House Bill 1531 focuses on the renewal of funds for constructing physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border contingent upon the deployment of the National Guard. It aims to expedite the completion of border barrier projects that were previously underway or planned before January 20, 2021. The bill asserts that no existing contracts related to border construction can be canceled, emphasizing a commitment to uphold prior agreements with state and local governments as well as other stakeholders involved.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding HB 1531 include debates on immigration policy effectiveness and the environmental impacts of border wall construction. Proponents may argue that constructing barriers is essential for deterring illegal immigration and enhancing safety. In contrast, opponents highlight concerns over the ecological implications of such projects, referencing the need to consider local ecosystems and communities adversely affected by expanded infrastructure. Potential legal challenges could arise over the interpretation of agreements and funding allocations stipulated in the bill.

Companion Bills

US HB989

Related Build the Wall Now Act

US SB422

Related Build the Wall Now Act

Previously Filed As

US SB42

Build the Wall Act of 2025This bill establishes the Southern Border Wall Construction Fund to be used by the Department of Homeland Security to construct and maintain physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border. All unobligated amounts in the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds must be immediately deposited in the Southern Border Wall Construction Fund.

US HB164

Close Biden's Open Border Act This bill provides $15 billion for the Department of Homeland Security to construct a border wall along the southern border of the United States. It also imposes a two-year moratorium on funding for U.S. contributions to the United Nations (U.N.). During the two-year period, funds may not be authorized or otherwise made available for contributions to the U.N.

US HB114

Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act This bill establishes funding for a U.S.-Mexico border barrier and revises how border patrol agents are compensated for overtime. The Department of the Treasury shall set up an account for funding the design, construction, and maintenance of the barrier. The funds in the account are appropriated only for that purpose and for vehicles and equipment for border patrol agents. For each fiscal year, financial assistance to a country shall be reduced by $2,000 for each citizen or national of that country apprehended for illegally entering the United States through its southern border. The reduced amount shall be transferred to the border barrier account. The Department of State may opt not to reduce amounts appropriated to Mexico for various military and law enforcement-related activities. This bill establishes a 5% fee on foreign remittance transfers and increases the fee for the arrival/departure I-94 form for various aliens entering the United States, with part of the fees to go into the border barrier account. By December 31, 2023, DHS shall (1) take all actions necessary, including constructing barriers, to prevent illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico barrier; and (2) achieve operational control over all U.S. international borders. The bill changes how border patrol agents receive overtime pay when working up to 100 hours in a two-week period. For hours worked above 80, an agent shall receive at least 150% of the agent's regular hourly rate.

US HB76

Fund and Complete the Border Wall ActThis bill establishes funding for a U.S.-Mexico border barrier and revises how border patrol agents are compensated for overtime.The Department of the Treasury shall set up an account for funding the design, construction, and maintenance of the barrier. The funds in the account are appropriated only for that purpose and for vehicles and equipment for border patrol agents.For each fiscal year, financial assistance to a country shall be reduced by $2,000 for each citizen or national of that country apprehended for illegally entering the United States through its southern border. The reduced amount shall be transferred to the border barrier account. The Department of State may opt not to reduce amounts appropriated to Mexico for various military and law enforcement-related activities.This bill establishes a 5% fee on foreign remittance transfers and increases the fee for the arrival/departure I-94 form for various aliens entering the United States, with part of the fees going to the border barrier account.By December 31, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security shall (1) take all actions necessary, including constructing barriers, to prevent illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico barrier; and (2) achieve operational control over all U.S. international borders.The bill changes how border patrol agents receive overtime pay when working up to 100 hours in a two-week period. For hours worked above 80, an agent shall receive at least 150% of the agent's regular hourly rate.

US SCR1

Declaring an invasion of the State of Texas by transnational cartel terrorists; urging the Governor to accelerate construction of a wall along the southern border; urging the U.S. Congress to deploy military forces.

US HB326

Border Wall Waste Accountability ActThis bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on the total cost of unused construction materials that were obtained for construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall from January 20, 2021, through January 20, 2025.

US HB1450

State militia; oversight of any deployment of the National Guard by the Governor; provide

US HB4091

Relating to the Oregon National Guard; declaring an emergency.

US HB445

Border Security Investment ActThis bill imposes a fee on the electronic transfer of funds (i.e., remittances) sent to certain countries and provides funding for border security activities from the collected amounts.Specifically, the fee shall apply to remittances sent through money services business to one of the five countries that had the most citizens or nationals unlawfully enter the United States in the previous fiscal year, as determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The fee must be 37% of the amount sent.Half of the money collected by the fee must be placed in a trust fund for reimbursing border states for expenses incurred for border security enforcement measures. The other half must be placed in another trust fund for (1) deploying technology and installing physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border, and (2) paying the wages and salaries of U.S. Border Patrol agents.If the amount in the trust funds exceeds a certain threshold, the excess money must be used only for deficit reduction.

US SJR0696

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend the members of the 168th Military Police Battalion, Tennessee Army National Guard, for meritorious service in support of the Joint Task Force-Southern Border mission.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.