House Advances $12B Border Security Reimbursement Bill

House Republicans have advanced a legislative package that includes $12 billion for reimbursing states, especially Texas, for border security costs incurred since President Biden's inauguration. The reimbursement process would be overseen by the Department of Homeland Security, with Texas, having spent over $11 billion on Operation Lone Star under Governor Greg Abbott, likely to receive the largest share. The funding was added as an amendment to the House reconciliation bill following lobbying by Governor Abbott and Texas Republicans, who argue the state acted due to federal inaction. The proposal is part of a larger Republican megabill that also contains Medicaid reforms, SNAP cuts, and Trump-era tax cut extensions. The bill faces internal GOP disagreements over spending and policy. Critics question the oversight and political motivations for federal reimbursement of state-initiated border measures.