Lubbock Congressman Celebrates Big Win For Border Security Funding

West Texas Congressman and House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) is celebrating a major win for Texas in part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

Border Security Reimbursement

The sweeping new legislation—officially titled H.R.1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—delivers what Arrington describes as the largest tax and spending cuts, national security boost, and energy deregulation in U.S. history. But here in Texas, one of the biggest headlines is this: $13.5 billion in federal funds to reimburse states like Texas for shouldering the cost of border security during what Arrington calls the Biden-Harris “open border crisis.”

READ MORE: Rep. Jodey Arrington Named First-Ever ‘Taxpayer Defender of the Month’

In a statement from Washington, Arrington said:

The Biden Administration refused to enforce immigration laws and defend our sovereign border, fueling an unprecedented invasion of drugs, crime, and illegal migration.

Texas Has Paid a Lot for Border Security

With the federal government stepping back, Texas was forced to front more than $11 billion in state funds to deal with border issues—money that could’ve gone to roads, schools, or healthcare. Now, thanks to provisions in this bill, Texas may finally get reimbursed for stepping up when the feds didn’t.

Arrington praised Governor Greg Abbott, Senator Charles Perry, and the Texas Republican Congressional Delegation for helping secure the reimbursement in this massive budget reconciliation bill.

Where Does That $13.5 Billion Go?

• $10 billion is heading to the Department of Homeland Security to reimburse border-related operations.

• Another $3.5 billion goes to the Department of Justice to fund state and local efforts like:

  • Apprehending and detaining illegal immigrants

  • Combating drug and human trafficking

  • Supporting law enforcement vehicle fleets and logistics

  • Prosecuting immigration-related crimes

Arrington added:

I’m proud to have delivered the resources necessary to reimburse Texas and other states that stepped up when their federal government failed them.

READ MORE: Lubbock's Arrington Takes Aim at Chinese Trade Loopholes with New Tariff Legislation

Bottom Line

If you’ve been following the costs of Operation Lone Star and the state’s massive border security efforts, this is a big deal. Whether or not the full amount makes it back to Texas remains to be seen—but Arrington says this is the first step in righting a billion-dollar wrong.