Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act

1/31/2025, 2:17 PM
Congress
119

Number
HR - 76

Introduced on
2025-01-03

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/3/2025

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

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 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.

Bill 119 hr 76, also known as the "Southern Border Security Act," aims to create a new account within the Treasury Department specifically designated for funds to enhance security measures along the southern border of the United States. The primary goal of this legislation is to allocate resources towards securing the border and preventing illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities.

The bill outlines that the funds deposited into this account will be used for a variety of purposes related to border security, including the construction of physical barriers, the hiring of additional border patrol agents, the implementation of new technology and surveillance systems, and the maintenance of existing infrastructure.

Proponents of the bill argue that strengthening border security is essential for protecting national security and ensuring the safety of American citizens. They believe that investing in these measures will help to reduce illegal immigration and prevent the entry of dangerous individuals and substances into the country. Opponents of the bill, however, raise concerns about the potential cost and effectiveness of these security measures. They argue that the focus should be on comprehensive immigration reform and addressing the root causes of migration, rather than simply increasing border enforcement. Overall, Bill 119 hr 76 represents a significant effort to prioritize border security and address the ongoing challenges faced along the southern border of the United States. The outcome of this legislation will have far-reaching implications for immigration policy and national security in the years to come.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo establish a separate account in the Treasury to hold deposits to be used to secure the southern border of the United States, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Immigration

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary2/7/2025

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 acc...


Latest Action1/3/2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.