WASHINGTON, DC — Governor Abbott (TX) released the following statement in response to the $12 billion in border reimbursements for states that stepped up, including Texas, that Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) and others fought to secure in the One Big Beautiful Bill.

"Texas thanks the U.S. House and the Texas Congressional Delegation for including $12 billion in the reconciliation package that will help Texas in its response to the unprecedented illegal immigration in Texas,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “This is a national issue that Texas was proud to address, and we are grateful for the allocation that reduces the financial burden that Texas incurred."

“The devastating impact of the previous administration’s open border policies has been felt nationwide—but no state has carried the burden more than Texas. Texas spent $11.1 billion on border security, including $5.87 billion on personnel costs and $4.75 billion on border wall and barriers. When the federal government failed to secure our border and protect our communities, Texans stepped up. Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve fought tirelessly to get our state the reimbursements it’s owed, and now, that fight is finally paying off,” said Rep. Pfluger.

Background:

Texas had to take on a massive financial burden to protect our communities when the previous administration failed to do so. Throughout his time in Congress, Rep. Pfluger has fought to reimburse Texas for securing the southern border, including

• American Border Rescue Plan Act (2021)
• This bill would allow state and local governments to use stimulus funds from the American Rescue Plan to cover the costs of border security.

• Lone Star Reimbursement Act (2022)
• This bill aimed to pay the State of Texas back for the costs of Operation Lone Star incurred in FY21 and FY22, which total $1.43 billion.
• Co-led with Rep. Fallon

• Letter to President Biden to reimburse Texas/meeting request (2023)
• Pfluger-led letter signed by all Republican members of the Texas Delegation

• FY24, FY25, and FY26 Appropriations Requests (2023, 2024, 2025) 
• FY24: Led a letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security to reimburse Texas for $5.1 billion.
• FY25: Led a letter with 18 signers urging the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security to reimburse Texas $11.26 billion.
• FY26: Led a letter with 19 signers urging the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security to reimburse Texas $11.2 billion.

• Efforts to Reimburse Texas through Supplemental Funding Vehicle
• Although the measure failed, Rep. Pfluger led the charge on including Texas reimbursement through supplemental funding packages in the spring of 2024.

• Rep. Pfluger has also consigned H.R. 424 and H.R. 1222, and H.R. 3464 to reimburse Texas