Last week, Congressman Andy Biggs reintroduced the Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act.
On Monday, he and Congressman Dr. Paul Gosar took colleagues on a field trip to the currently incomplete wall.
Thanks to my friends & colleagues @RepBrianBabin, Rep Greg Gianforte, @RepTedBudd, @RepMGriffith, @RepRalphNorman, @RepGosar & @replouiegohmert for joining me to learn more about our border crisis today. Together, we will help our friends in law enforcement to secure the border. pic.twitter.com/hOcOqEW1yI
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) January 21, 2019
Thank you to Angel parents Steve Ronnebeck & Mary Ann Mendoza for sharing their stories last night about how illegal immigration has forever changed their families. And thanks to @CochiseCounty Sheriff Mark Dannels for giving us a briefing about how he keeps his community safe. pic.twitter.com/XNfJGqoVqR
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) January 21, 2019
This morning, I & eight other Members, joined some Border Patrol agents to tour another section of the border wall-or lack thereof. Can you believe that at this point in the Sasabe sector, the fence ends & this crude wire fence begins?! How is this supposed to protect Americans? pic.twitter.com/ktTPyxIrmX
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) January 21, 2019
Over the past few days, I have joined my colleagues in talking with those who live the reality of this humanitarian crisis on the border of Arizona. It’s time to give Americans the security they deserve. #BuildtheWall pic.twitter.com/0CH4rvQ2g4
— Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) January 22, 2019
Build the wall.
Give our Border Patrol agents the resources they deserve.
Improve our existing technology.
Construct drivable roads along the fences.
We can secure the border. We can protect U.S. citizens. It will take resolve, but Congress can – and must – get this done. pic.twitter.com/mBaWHAOp5Y
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) January 22, 2019
Border Patrol agent Art Del Cueto is a great American, and I am so grateful for his service to this country. It was great to tour the border with him again today. To Art and all of our Border Patrol agents: stay safe and know that we are praying for you and your families. pic.twitter.com/fJDZWUjWJc
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) January 21, 2019
The Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act accomplishes seven things that, according to Biggs, “are vital for our border security.” They are:
- 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).