Finish the Wall Act would compel the Department of Homeland Security to immediately resume construction of the border wall system along the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill requires DHS to continue any wall-related activities and to keep intact contracts that were entered into before January 20, 2021, while directing the use of funds that were appropriated or obligated for border wall construction starting in 2016. It creates deadlines for DHS to submit plans to complete the wall by September 30, 2026, and to provide a detailed plan for both the remaining construction and the related tactical infrastructure and technology elements. The act also requires DHS to ensure that all written agreements with private parties, state/local/Tribal governments, and other stakeholders are honored, and to certify that CBP facilities processing adults comply with the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005. Definitions clarify what counts as “tactical infrastructure” and “technology,” and designate which congressional committees oversee implementation. Overall, the bill envisions a rapid, continued push to finish border barrier construction using already-allocated funds, with formal reporting milestones and a firm completion timeline, while also imposing a compliance check on DNA collection at border facilities.
Key Points
- 1Immediate resumption of border wall construction: DHS must resume all activities related to the border wall system within 24 hours of enactment, focusing on projects underway or planned prior to January 20, 2021.
- 2Prohibition on canceling pre-2021 contracts: The department may not cancel any border wall contracts that were entered into on or before January 20, 2021.
- 3Use of funds and budgeting deadlines: DHS must expend all funds appropriated or obligated for the wall projects dating back to October 1, 2016 to carry out this Act, and must submit an implementation plan within 30 days aiming to complete by September 30, 2026.
- 4Plans for tactical infrastructure and technology: Within 90 days, DHS must provide an implementation plan with quarterly benchmarks and cost estimates for all required elements (tactical infrastructure and technology) identified prior to January 20, 2021, including future funds.
- 5DNA collection compliance: Within 14 days, DHS must certify that CBP is fully compliant with the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005 at all border facilities processing adults (including as part of a family unit).