‘That Fight Is Finally Paying Off’: Texas Secures $12B in Border Reimbursements

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Texas will receive $12 billion in federal reimbursements for border security costs under a new reconciliation package approved by the U.S. House, according to statements Thursday from Gov. Greg Abbott and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).

The funding is part of the broader legislative agreement known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill" and comes after years of efforts by Texas lawmakers to secure federal reimbursement for state border operations.

“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,” Abbott said. “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.”

Rep. Pfluger, who represents much of West Texas, said the funding marks a major victory in a long-standing effort to offset the state’s spending on border enforcement.

“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," said Rep. Pfluger. "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."

Pfluger highlighted his legislative efforts to reimburse the state, including bills such as the American Border Rescue Plan Act (2021), the Lone Star Reimbursement Act (2022), and a series of border reimbursement letters and appropriations requests submitted from FY24 through FY26.

The $12 billion allocation is expected to help offset expenses Texas incurred under Operation Lone Star and related border security measures implemented in response to what state officials have described as a federal failure to manage illegal immigration.