H.R.816 - Build the Wall Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.816, the "Build the Wall Act of 2025," proposes to establish a Southern Border Wall Construction Fund. This fund would be populated by transferring unobligated amounts from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The purpose of the fund is to finance the construction and maintenance of physical barriers along the southern border of the United States.
Expected Effects
The bill would redirect funds originally intended for COVID-19 relief to border wall construction. This shift in funding priorities could impact state and local programs that were relying on the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The construction of the wall itself would likely have environmental and social impacts along the border region.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced border security, potentially reducing illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
- Creation of construction jobs in the short term.
- Fulfillment of campaign promises related to border security.
- Potential reduction in long-term costs associated with illegal immigration (though this is debated).
- Increased sense of security for some border residents.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Diversion of funds from COVID-19 relief efforts, potentially harming state and local programs.
- Environmental damage to border ecosystems.
- Increased tensions with Mexico and other Latin American countries.
- High cost of construction and maintenance, potentially burdening taxpayers.
- Potential for negative impacts on cross-border trade and tourism.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Congress has the power to legislate on matters of immigration and national security (Article I, Section 8). However, the transfer of funds from existing programs could raise questions about the scope of congressional power and potential infringements on states' rights, depending on the original terms of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause could also be relevant if the wall construction involves seizing private property.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).