US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB989

Introduced
2/14/23  
Refer
2/14/23  
Refer
2/15/23  
Refer
2/24/23  
Refer
3/13/23  

Caption

Build the Wall Now Act

Impact

The implications of HB 989 are significant for state law and border management. By codifying the need for physical barriers and tactical infrastructure, the bill prioritizes and legislates an aggressive approach to border control. It permits the use of previously appropriated funds for barrier construction and introduces legal flexibility for the Department of Homeland Security to bypass certain regulations that could delay construction efforts. This may streamline operations locally, although it raises concerns among environmental and community advocates regarding the effects of rapid construction on local ecosystems and properties.

Summary

House Bill 989, known as the 'Build the Wall Now Act', seeks to remove barriers to the construction of a border barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill mandates the immediate resumption of barrier projects that were in progress before January 20, 2021, and prevents the cancellation of existing contracts related to such construction. Furthermore, it authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to waive any legal requirements deemed necessary to expedite the construction and approval processes for these barriers.

Contention

Notably, the bill faces contention primarily over its disregard for existing laws and regulations that protect the environment and local communities. It explicitly exempts any border construction projects from numerous federal environmental laws, which may lead to ecological damage and disregards the local populations' concerns. Critics argue that lawmakers are prioritizing border security over environmental safeguards and community rights, sparking a debate about the balance between national security and local impacts.

Companion Bills

US SB422

Same As Build the Wall Now Act

US HB1531

Related 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.

Previously Filed As

US HB816

Build the Wall Act of 2025

US HB163

Finish the Wall Act

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 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 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 HB5296

BUILDS Act Building U.S. Infrastructure by Leveraging Demands for Skills

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 HB5787

BALL Act White House Building Activities Locked-out in Lapse Act

US HB199

Secure America's Borders First Act This bill prohibits using federal funds to provide certain military assistance to Ukraine until a border wall system along the U.S.-Mexico border is completed and operation control of such border is achieved. Specifically, this prohibition shall apply to funds made available to the Department of Defense and funds made available for security assistance or security cooperation.

US HB5279

THE DON-ument Act

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