Lubbock Times

Washington, D.C. - In November of 2023, House Budget Committee Chairman Arrington (R-TX) and Oversight Task Force Chair Congressman Bergman (R-MI) sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) seeking clarity on whether the Biden Administration violated the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 by blocking the use of funds intended to continue construction and secure the border wall. On April 22, 2024, GAO issued its response.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO), in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), authored a report entitled "Border Barrier Construction and Obligations" for DHS to seek factual information and its legal views on this matter. The report aimed to address concerns raised by House Budget Committee Chairman Arrington and Congressman Bergman regarding the use of funds for border security.

According to the GAO report, the $1.4 billion appropriated by Congress for the construction of a barrier system was intended to serve as an effective deterrence to illegal crossings at the southwest border. The report highlighted that physical barriers have proven to be successful in reducing illegal immigration by forcing migrants to go through ports of entry where they can be processed legally.

While the GAO report did not find explicit violations of the law by the Biden Administration, House Budget Committee Chairman Arrington and Congressman Bergman expressed concerns that the administration is circumventing the law to avoid executive responsibility and accountability. They criticized the lack of enforcement and operational control at the southwest border, labeling it as a dereliction of duty.

In their statement, House Budget Committee Chairman Arrington and Congressman Bergman emphasized, "The fact of the matter is that American taxpayer dollars to secure the border are going unspent or wasted on frivolous environmental planning and remediation." The lawmakers are continuing to push for transparency and accountability in the use of funds intended for border security.

As the debate over border security funding and environmental initiatives continues, House Republicans are actively working to address concerns related to the Biden Administration's approach to immigration policies and national security issues. The House Budget Committee remains committed to advocating for stronger border security measures and responsible use of taxpayer dollars to ensure the safety and security of the nation's borders.