Congressman Biggs Reintroduces the Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act

January 15, 2019
Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Andy Biggs reintroduced the Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act. This bill fully funds, completes, and pays for the border wall, while giving Border Patrol agents the resources they need to do their jobs. Congressman Biggs released the following statement:

"America's southern border is insecure. Visitors to the border will see hundreds of miles of insufficient fencing. They can view the hills and overlooks utilized by lookouts for the drug and human cartels. They can listen to the ranchers who speak of the dangers they experience from illegal aliens crossing through their properties at all times of the day and night. The crisis at the border can no longer be ignored.

"Members of Congress speak about securing the border, yet fail to make their words a reality. That's why, last Congress, I introduced a bill to build the wall. This legislation not only builds the wall, it funds the wall through several creative mechanisms and provides sorely-needed resources to our Border Patrol agents. These men and women are on the front lines of the fight to keep us safe. They risk their lives to defend American citizens and sovereignty. They deserve a government that has their backs.

"Even with a divided legislative branch, we can still put security above politics to protect our constituents. I encourage my colleagues – on both sides of the aisle – to support my efforts to fund and build the wall."

BACKGROUND:

The Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act accomplishes seven things that are vital for our border security:

  • Creates a fund to build the wall;
  • Instructs the Secretary of Homeland Security to design, test, construct, and install physical barriers, roads, and technology along the border between the United States and Mexico to prevent illegal crossings in all areas;
  • Penalizes foreign aid to Mexico and other countries by $2,000 for every illegal alien that is apprehended. The held back funds are redirected to the border wall fund;
  • Charges a fee for all money transfers when receivers are outside the United States. Collected fees go to the border wall fund;
  • Increases I-94 fees from $6 to $25. The higher fees fund Border Patrol salaries and the border wall fund;
  • Provides relief from burdensome regulations that could be used to prevent or delay wall construction;
  • Restores overtime pay for Border Patrol, ensuring they receive the same rate as all other DHS law enforcement agencies (restoring Fair Labor Standards Act).

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Congressman Andy Biggs is a second-term Representative from Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.