Sen. Cornyn Introduces Bill to Reimburse Texas for Operation Lone Star Border Costs

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) introduced legislation this week to reimburse the State of Texas for more than $11 billion spent on Operation Lone Star, the state’s border security initiative launched in response to what state officials describe as a federal failure to manage the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill, titled the State Border Security Assistance Act, is cosponsored in the Senate by Sen. Ted Cruz (R), with Congressman Chip Roy (R) leading the measure in the House.

“For four years, Governor Abbott and Texas taxpayers were forced to bear the brunt of the Biden-Harris border crisis,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Today, I am proud to introduce my legislation to reimburse Texas for its historic efforts to secure the southern border. My bill will ensure the Lone Star State is repaid for stepping up to protect and defend our nation’s southern border while the Biden-Harris administration abdicated its federal duty.”

The bill proposes to create dedicated funds within the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to reimburse states for border security-related expenses incurred since January 20, 2021. Eligible costs include construction of physical barriers, border surveillance, and the apprehension, detention, and prosecution of individuals who entered the country illegally.

The legislation also includes a sunset clause, ending the program after the conclusion of the Trump administration and directing any remaining funds to the U.S. Treasury for debt reduction.

Sen. Cornyn praised figures from the Trump administration, including President Trump (R), South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R), ICE Director Tom Homan (R), and Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks (R), for their support of tougher border enforcement policies.

“Thanks to the strong leadership of President Trump... our country is finally back to enforcing the immigration laws that have been on the books for years,” Cornyn said, vowing continued partnership with Trump administration officials.

Representative Roy echoed that sentiment.

“Texans stood in the breach of the worst border crisis in recent American history,” he said. “The states like Texas that stood on the front lines to defend our nation when the federal government would not, deserve to be reimbursed.”

Cornyn’s office outlined his ongoing efforts to secure federal reimbursement, including supporting Governor Abbott’s initial request, raising the issue on the Senate floor, and coordinating with state and federal lawmakers on a legislative strategy.

The bill now awaits consideration in both chambers of Congress, where it is likely to fuel further debate over immigration enforcement and federal-state responsibilities at the southern border.