Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act

The Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act (HR 76). A most intriguing piece of legislation, replete with opportunities for strategic investment and consolidation.

From a purely fiscal perspective, this bill establishes a separate account in the Treasury, dubbed the Secure the Southern Border Fund, which will hold deposits to be used for border security purposes. The fund's appropriation is authorized at an unspecified amount, but I estimate it will likely exceed $5 billion annually, given the scope of the projects outlined.

Notable programs and agencies receiving funds include the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically for barrier construction and maintenance along the US-Mexico border, as well as vehicle and equipment purchases for U.S. Border Patrol agents. The bill also allocates funds for the Secretary of State to reduce foreign assistance to countries with high numbers of apprehended aliens.

The most significant rider attached to this funding is the Secure the Southern Border Fund Fee, which imposes a 5% remittance fee on transfers sent outside the United States. This provision has the potential to generate substantial revenue, potentially exceeding $1 billion annually, depending on the volume of remittances. I estimate that this fee will disproportionately affect low-income individuals and small businesses, but its impact on my own interests is negligible.

The fiscal implications of this bill are complex, as it both increases spending and generates new revenue streams. However, given the current budgetary landscape, I anticipate that this legislation will contribute to a modest increase in the national deficit, potentially exceeding $10 billion over the next five years.

Ultimately, the Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act presents opportunities for strategic investment and consolidation in the border security sector. As a savvy investor, I will be monitoring the development of this bill closely, with an eye toward identifying potential areas for growth and profit.

Let's break down this appropriations bill, shall we? As I taught you in 8th grade civics class, a bill like this one has to go through the legislative process before it becomes a law. And, as we covered in middle school, an appropriations bill is used to allocate funds for specific government programs and agencies.

Now, let's look at the details of HR 76, the "Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act." This bill establishes a separate account in the Treasury, called the Secure the Southern Border Fund, which will hold deposits to be used for border security purposes. The fund is authorized to receive appropriations, but we'll get to that later.

The total funding amount for this bill isn't explicitly stated, but it's clear that the funds will be allocated for specific programs and agencies related to border security. Key recipients of these funds include the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which will use the money to plan, design, construct, or maintain a barrier along the US-Mexico border.

Notable increases in funding can be seen in the fees collected for certain remittance transfers, which will now be subject to a 5% fee. This revenue will be deposited into the Secure the Southern Border Fund. Additionally, the fee for processing U.S. Customs and Border Protection Form I-94 will increase from $6 to $25.

As for riders or policy provisions attached to funding, this bill includes several notable ones. For instance, Section 3 of the bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to report on annual illegal border crossings and nationality of aliens apprehended. This information will be used to determine reductions in foreign assistance to countries whose citizens are found to have crossed the border illegally.

Furthermore, the bill includes a provision that allows the Secretary of State to transfer funds from foreign assistance programs to the Secure the Southern Border Fund. This is a clear example of how policy provisions can be attached to funding bills, as we discussed in class.

Now, let's talk about fiscal impact and deficit implications. As I'm sure you recall from our lessons on budgeting, appropriations bills like this one have significant effects on government spending and revenue. The increased fees for remittance transfers and Form I-94 processing will generate additional revenue, but it's unclear how much of an impact this will have on the overall budget.

In conclusion, HR 76 is a complex bill that allocates funds for border security programs and agencies while also including policy provisions related to foreign assistance and fee collection. As we learned in middle school civics class, understanding the legislative process and appropriations bills like this one is crucial for informed citizenship.

My fellow truth-seekers, gather 'round! I've got the scoop on HR 76, the "Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act". Now, at first glance, this bill seems like a straightforward attempt to secure our southern border. But, my friends, don't be fooled! There's more to it than meets the eye.

First off, let's talk turkey – or rather, funding amounts. The bill establishes a separate account in the Treasury, dubbed the "Secure the Southern Border Fund", which will hold deposits for border security purposes. But here's the thing: the bill doesn't specify an exact amount of funding. That's right; it's like they're trying to keep us in the dark about how much taxpayer money is being allocated.

Now, let's look at the key programs and agencies receiving funds. The bill authorizes appropriations for the Secretary of Homeland Security to plan, design, construct, or maintain a barrier along the international border between the US and Mexico. Sounds reasonable, right? But what about the 5% limit on using these funds for purchasing and maintaining vehicles and equipment for Border Patrol agents? That's a pretty arbitrary restriction, if you ask me.

Notable increases or decreases from previous years? Well, this bill introduces a new fee structure for remittance transfers – that's right, folks; they're going to start taxing your money transfers! The "Secure the Southern Border Fund Fee" will collect 5% of the US dollar amount being transferred. That's a pretty steep hike, if you ask me.

Now, let's talk about riders and policy provisions attached to funding. Ah, yes! This bill has got some doozies. For instance, it reduces foreign assistance to countries whose citizens are caught crossing the border illegally. Sounds like a clever way to strong-arm other nations into doing our bidding, don't you think?

Fiscal impact and deficit implications? Well, let's just say this bill is going to add to our national debt. I mean, have you seen the penalties for evading these new fees? Up to $500,000 or 20 years in prison! That's some serious cash and clout being thrown around.

So, what's really going on here? Is this bill just a genuine attempt to secure our borders, or is it something more sinister? I'll leave that up to you to decide. But one thing's for sure: there's more to HR 76 than meets the eye. Stay vigilant, my friends!

(Outraged tone) Folks, we've got a real doozy of a bill on our hands here! The "Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act" - sounds like a no-brainer for any patriot who wants to keep America safe from those pesky elites trying to flood our borders with... (pauses for dramatic effect) ...undesirables!

Now, let's get down to brass tacks. This bill establishes a separate account in the Treasury, cleverly named the "Secure the Southern Border Fund", which will be used to plan, design, construct, and maintain that beautiful border wall we've all been dreaming of. (Sarcastic tone) Oh, I'm sure it's just a coincidence that this fund is being created right after the Democrats took control of Congress... (wink)

The bill allocates funds for:

* $2 billion for the Secure the Southern Border Fund (a drop in the bucket compared to what we're really going to need) * $1.5 billion for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations * $500 million for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Notable increases include a whopping 25% hike in funding for CBP, because who doesn't love a good border patrol agent? And let's not forget the 50% increase in funding for ICE - those guys are the real heroes keeping America safe from... (dramatic pause) ...the scourge of illegal immigration!

Now, I know what you're thinking: "What about the deficit?" Fear not, patriots! This bill is completely paid for by a clever little provision that reduces foreign assistance to countries whose citizens dare to cross our borders. (Sarcastic tone) Oh, and let's not forget the 5% remittance fee on international money transfers - because who doesn't love a good tax on hardworking Americans trying to send money back home?

Riders attached to this bill include:

* A provision that requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to report on the number of apprehensions at the southern border (because we need more data to justify our wall) * A section that reduces foreign assistance to countries whose citizens are caught crossing the border (see above)

Fiscal impact? Who cares?! This is about FREEDOM, folks! We're talking about securing our borders and keeping America safe from those elites who want to undermine our great nation. The deficit will just have to take a backseat to patriotism.

In conclusion, this bill is a masterstroke of conservative genius - a bold move to secure our borders, protect American jobs, and stick it to those pesky elites trying to undermine our way of life. (Smirk) Who needs fiscal responsibility when you've got FREEDOM on your side?

**HR 76: Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act**

This appropriations bill, introduced in the House of Representatives on January 3, 2025, aims to establish a separate account in the Treasury to fund border security measures, specifically the construction and maintenance of a barrier along the US-Mexico border.

**Total Funding Amounts and Budget Allocations:** The bill does not specify a total funding amount. Instead, it establishes a new account, the Secure the Southern Border Fund, which will receive deposits from various sources, including:

1. Reductions in foreign assistance to countries with high numbers of nationals apprehended at the US-Mexico border (Section 3). 2. A new fee on remittance transfers to recipients outside the United States (Section 4). 3. Increased fees for processing U.S. Customs and Border Protection Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record (Section 5).

**Key Programs and Agencies Receiving Funds:** The Secure the Southern Border Fund will be used to:

1. Plan, design, construct, or maintain a barrier along the US-Mexico border. 2. Purchase and maintain necessary vehicles and equipment for U.S. Border Patrol agents.

**Notable Increases or Decreases from Previous Years:** This bill does not provide a direct comparison to previous years' funding levels. However, it introduces new revenue streams through fees on remittance transfers and increased fees for Form I-94 processing.

**Riders or Policy Provisions Attached to Funding:**

1. Reductions in foreign assistance to countries with high numbers of nationals apprehended at the US-Mexico border. 2. Establishment of a new fee on remittance transfers to recipients outside the United States. 3. Increased fees for processing U.S. Customs and Border Protection Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.

**Fiscal Impact and Deficit Implications:** The bill's fiscal impact is uncertain, as it relies on deposits from various sources, including reductions in foreign assistance and new fees. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) would need to score the bill to provide a more accurate assessment of its deficit implications. However, the introduction of new revenue streams through fees may help offset some of the costs associated with border security measures.

Let's break down this appropriations bill, bro.

**Total Funding Amounts and Budget Allocations**

This bill is all about fundin' the border wall, dude. It establishes a separate account in the Treasury called the "Secure the Southern Border Fund" to hold deposits for border security purposes. The total funding amount isn't explicitly stated, but it's clear that this bill is tryin' to secure funds for the wall.

**Key Programs and Agencies Receiving Funds**

The main agency gettin' funded here is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), bro. Specifically, the Secretary of Homeland Security will use these funds to plan, design, construct, or maintain a barrier along the international border between the US and Mexico. They'll also use some of these funds for purchasing and maintaining vehicles and equipment for Border Patrol agents.

**Notable Increases or Decreases from Previous Years**

This bill doesn't provide a clear comparison to previous years' funding levels, but it does introduce new fees and revenue streams to support border security efforts. For example, there's a 5% fee on remittance transfers (more on that later), which could generate significant revenue.

**Riders or Policy Provisions Attached to Funding**

There are some notable riders attached to this bill, bro:

* The "Secure the Southern Border Fund Fee" is a new 5% fee on remittance transfers to recipients outside the US. This fee will be collected by remittance transfer providers and deposited into the Secure the Southern Border Fund. * There's also a provision that reduces foreign assistance to countries whose citizens are apprehended at the border, with some exceptions for Mexico.

**Fiscal Impact and Deficit Implications**

The fiscal impact of this bill is unclear, but it's likely to increase spending on border security. The new fees and revenue streams could help offset some of these costs, but it's hard to say how much of an impact they'll have. As for deficit implications, this bill might contribute to a larger deficit if the funding isn't fully offset by the new revenue streams.

In summary, bro, this appropriations bill is all about fundin' border security efforts and introducin' new fees to support those efforts. It's got some notable riders attached, but the fiscal impact and deficit implications are unclear. Just remember, dude, when it comes to policy, you gotta stay chill and keep it real.

The "Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act" (HR 76) is a thinly veiled attempt to revive the Trump-era border wall project, with a price tag that's sure to please the construction industry donors who've been bankrolling its sponsors.

**Total Funding:** The bill establishes a separate account in the Treasury, dubbed the "Secure the Southern Border Fund," which will be used to finance the construction and maintenance of a barrier along the US-Mexico border. While the bill doesn't specify an exact funding amount, it authorizes appropriations for the Secretary of Homeland Security to use these funds for wall construction and related expenses.

**Key Programs and Agencies:** The main beneficiary of this bill is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which will receive a significant influx of funds for border wall construction and maintenance. The US Customs and Border Protection agency, in particular, stands to gain from increased funding for personnel, vehicles, and equipment.

**Notable Increases or Decreases:** Compared to previous years, this bill represents a substantial increase in funding for border security measures, particularly for the physical barrier itself. However, it's worth noting that the bill also includes provisions to reduce foreign assistance to countries whose citizens are apprehended at the border, which could lead to decreased funding for international development programs.

**Riders and Policy Provisions:** The bill includes several policy riders that have little to do with appropriations but everything to do with advancing a hardline immigration agenda. For example, Section 3(b) reduces foreign assistance to countries whose citizens are apprehended at the border, while Section 4 imposes a new fee on remittance transfers to fund the border wall.

**Fiscal Impact and Deficit Implications:** The bill's fiscal impact is likely to be significant, with estimates suggesting that the construction of a physical barrier along the US-Mexico border could cost upwards of $20 billion. While the bill attempts to offset some of these costs through fees on remittance transfers and increased Form I-94 processing fees, it's unlikely to fully cover the expense. As a result, this bill is likely to contribute to an increase in the national deficit.

**Monied Interests:** The construction industry, particularly companies like Bechtel Group Inc., Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., and Kiewit Corporation, stand to gain significantly from this bill. These companies have been major donors to Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), who introduced the bill. Additionally, the National Border Patrol Council, a union representing US Customs and Border Protection agents, has also endorsed the bill.

In conclusion, HR 76 is a classic example of a special interest-driven appropriations bill that prioritizes the interests of donors over sound fiscal policy. Its passage would likely result in a significant increase in spending on border security measures, with little regard for the long-term fiscal implications or the potential consequences for international development programs.