Texas could receive nearly $800 million in federal reimbursements for Governor Greg Abbott’s border security initiatives during the Biden administration, as Congress considers the allocation. This potential funding, though significantly less than the $11 billion sought by Abbott and Texas Republicans in Congress, would provide a substantial financial boost to the state’s efforts.
The proposed reimbursement is included in a large spending bill under development in the U.S. House, which also incorporates tax cuts advocated by President Donald Trump. While the legislation allows any state to seek reimbursement for border immigration enforcement, Texas stands out as the only southern border state with a Republican governor who has invested billions in such measures through Operation Lone Star.
Governor Abbott utilized state funds for various border security activities, including transporting migrants to northern cities, deploying state troopers, installing miles of razor wire, and constructing approximately 60 miles of border wall after federal construction was halted.
U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw emphasized the need to “pay Texas back” and noted that while the current spending bill doesn’t meet the full $11 billion request, there is still opportunity for further negotiation. The House aims to finalize its budget package by Memorial Day, with Senate Republicans expected to develop their version in June. Agreement between both chambers is necessary before the bill can reach President Trump for his approval.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn affirmed his commitment to advocating for increased funding for Texas in the Senate, stating his expectation that Texas will be reimbursed for expenses incurred by state taxpayers that should have been a federal responsibility by the end of July.
Governor Abbott has framed the reimbursement as a “real estate” transaction during White House visits, offering the transfer of existing border wall and easements to the federal government. He also joined a formal letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune requesting full reimbursement.
Despite the change in administration, Texas continues to allocate significant state funding for border security. The Texas House has voted to allocate an additional $6.5 billion, including $2.8 billion for further barrier construction along the Rio Grande, $2.3 billion for the Texas Military Department, and $1.2 billion for the Department of Public Safety for border patrol personnel.
This continued funding occurs against a backdrop of declining border crossings, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection reporting only 7,000 apprehensions along the entire U.S.-Mexico border in March, a 95% decrease from the 137,000 apprehensions reported a year prior.