HR 163
Finish the Wall Act
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Bill overview
This bill, titled the Finish the Wall Act, directs the Department of Homeland Security to resume construction of the border wall system along the U.S.-Mexico border. It mandates the use of previously appropriated funds and prohibits the cancellation of existing contracts related to the wall’s construction. Additionally, the bill requires DHS to develop and submit implementation plans for completing the wall by September 30, 2026, and to ensure compliance with DNA collection laws at border facilities. Finally, it requires DHS to honor existing agreements related to the border wall project.
Key provisions
- Resumes border wall construction that was underway or planned as of January 20, 2021.
- Prohibits the cancellation of contracts for border wall construction entered into before January 20, 2021.
- Requires the expenditure of previously appropriated funds for border wall construction since October 1, 2016.
- Mandates the submission of an implementation plan to complete the wall by September 30, 2026.
- Requires DHS to ensure compliance with the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005 at border facilities.
- Directs DHS to honor existing agreements related to border wall construction.
- Defines ‘tactical infrastructure’ and ‘technology’ as components of the border wall system.
Who is affected
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Mexico
- State and Local Governments
- Tribal Governments
Notable changes
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
H. R. 163
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To immediately resume construction of the border wall system along the international border between the United States and Mexico to secure the border, enforce the rule of law, and expend appropriated funds as mandated by Congress, and for other purposes.
This Act may be cited as the Finish the Wall Act
.
border wall system) along the international border between the United States and Mexico that were underway or being planned for prior to January 20, 2021.
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an implementation plan to complete, by not later than September 30, 2026, border wall system construction referred to in paragraph (1) and funded in accordance with paragraph (3).
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an implementation plan, including quarterly benchmarks and cost estimates, for satisfying all requirements of border wall system construction referred to in subsection (a)(1), including tactical infrastructure, technology, and other elements as identified by the Department of Homeland Security prior to January 20, 2021, through the expenditure of funds appropriated or explicitly obligated, as the case may be, for use beginning on October 1, 2016, as well as any future funds appropriated by Congress.
The Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that all agreements executed in writing between the Department of Homeland Security and private citizens, State, local, and Tribal governments, and other stakeholders are honored by the Department relating to current and future border wall system construction as required by such agreements.
Not later than 14 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure and certify to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate that U.S. Customs and Border Protection is fully compliant with the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005 at all border facilities that process adults, including as part of a family unit, in the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the border.
In this Act:
The term appropriate congressional committees means the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
The term tactical infrastructure includes boat ramps, access gates, checkpoints, lighting, and roads associated with a border wall system.
The term technology includes border surveillance and detection technology, including linear ground detection systems, associated with a border wall system.