State Border Security Reimbursement Act of 2025
The State Border Security Reimbursement Act of 2025 would create a process for states to be repaid by the federal government for border security expenses that were funded with state and local funds in support of federal border enforcement. States that spent at least $2.5 billion on border security and enforcement over the previous ten years would be eligible for reimbursement of those non-federally funded costs. The Governor would lead the filing of an accounting of all eligible expenses (including municipalities) within 180 days of enactment, and the federal government would reimburse eligible expenses within one year after the state’s submission. The bill frames border security as primarily a federal responsibility and suggests that current federal shortcomings have imposed a heavy, duplicative burden on states like Texas. If enacted, this measure could shift a portion of border security costs from states to the federal government, potentially alleviating state-level budget pressures and reducing perceived double taxation by residents of border states. However, it depends on future appropriations and administrative processes to determine eligibility and disburse funds.
Key Points
- 1Eligibility threshold: States that have spent more than $2.5 billion on border security and enforcement in the ten years prior to enactment would qualify for reimbursement of all associated expenses that were not funded by federal money.
- 2Who files: The Governor of each eligible state must submit an accounting of all non-federally funded border security expenses, including amounts incurred by municipalities, within 180 days of enactment.
- 3Timing of reimbursement: The federal government must reimburse eligible expenses within one year after the state submits its application.
- 4Scope of reimbursement: Reimbursement covers “associated expenses” for border security and enforcement that were borne by the state and its municipalities in support of federal border efforts.
- 5Rationale and findings: The bill asserts border security is primarily a federal responsibility, notes Texas has shouldered significant costs due to federal failures, and argues that states are being taxed twice for the same purpose.