Tucked within President Donald Trump’s sweeping “big, beautiful bill” is a provision that could deliver billions of dollars to Texas for expenses the state incurred on border security efforts during the Biden administration.
The legislation allocates $12 billion for a grant program that would reimburse states for costs associated with combating illegal immigration under the previous Democratic administration, Fox News reported.
Though the measure was added to the bill just hours before the final vote, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), former chairman of the House Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs Committees, told the outlet that it was the result of months of behind-the-scenes negotiations.
“Early on, [Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green [R-Tenn.] and I were discussing reconciliation going through the Homeland Security Committee. And, you know, there was about $70 billion for the border,” McCaul said. “Texas bore the brunt of the federal mission the last four years and deserves to be reimbursed. And so he agreed, had a conversation with Governor [Greg] Abbott [R], and he agreed.”
While the provision does not explicitly mention Texas, sources told Fox News Digital that it was included largely at the urging of the state’s congressional delegation.
According to those familiar with the discussions, Texas has accumulated just over $11 billion in expenses from Governor Greg Abbott’s efforts to secure the state’s southern border, Fox noted.
