McCaul, House Colleagues Introduce Secure Our Borders First Act

Press Release

Today, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, introduced new legislation to gain and maintain control of our nation's land and maritime borders, H.R. 399, the Secure Our Borders First Act.

Original cosponsors of the bill are: Reps. Candice Miller R-Mich., subcommittee chairman of the Border and Maritime Security, Will Hurd, R-Texas, John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, and Martha McSally, R-Ariz., Pete Sessions, R-Texas, Ted Poe, R-Texas, Roger Williams, R-Texas, Bill Flores, R-Texas, Pete Olson, R-Texas, Rob Bishop, R-Utah, John Culberson, R-Texas, Blake Farenthold, R-Texas, John Carter, R-Texas, and Larry Bucshon, R-Ind.

"The federal government's number one priority under the Constitution is to provide for the common defense, but when it comes to border security the administration has failed," McCaul said. "Failure is not an option on this issue, so Congress must lead. The Secure Our Borders First Act ensures a smart, safe, and cost-effective border by building fencing where fencing is needed and allocating technology where technology is needed.

"It is the toughest border security bill ever before Congress, with real penalties for the administration for not doing their job. We need this legislation to protect the American people and sovereignty of this nation."

The Secure Our Borders First Act requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to achieve operational control of high traffic areas of the southwest border in two years -- and the entire southwest border in five years -- and establishes a commission to independently verify that the border is secure. The legislation enforces penalties on DHS political appointees if the administration does not meet the terms of the bill.

Additionally, the bill provides sector-by-sector analysis of threats and needs on the border and attaches to that the resources necessary to gain operational control. This includes the allocation of technology capabilities in each sector along the southern border, the construction and replacement of fencing and access roads, and additional flight hours.

The legislation also bolsters border security by providing Border Patrol agents access to federal lands, granting flexibility to Customs and Border Protection to relocate resources, fully funding the National Guard on the border and increasing grants funding for local law enforcement agencies who assist in securing the border.

The bill was referred to the committee and will move through regular order.

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