Bill Overview
Title: To reimburse the State of Texas for Operation Lone Star, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to reimburse the state of Texas for the costs incurred in FY2021 and FY2022 for Operation Lone Star. (Operation Lone Star is a border security operation initiated and carried out by the state of Texas.)
Sponsors: Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
Target Audience
Population: People living in Texas
Estimated Size: 28300000
- Operation Lone Star impacted individuals residing in or near border areas in Texas by potentially increasing security presence and activities.
- The operation also affected undocumented migrants and asylum seekers attempting to cross the Texas border.
- Texas state residents might have felt economic impacts due to the funds allocated to Operation Lone Star.
- State governmental entities involved in the operation would be directly impacted by financial supports or lack thereof.
Reasoning
- This policy primarily impacts residents of Texas, particularly those living near the border, but it also has nationwide implications due to the federal budget allocation.
- A significant portion of Texas's population might experience indirect effects due to changes in state budgeting, stemming from federal reimbursements and how those funds were previously allocated.
- There will likely be varying levels of impact: direct beneficiaries, those who perceive positive changes due to increased security or financial relief, and others who might see little to no change in their daily lives.
- Some Texas residents might not feel a direct impact, especially if they live far from border areas and don’t interact with the aspects of the state budget influenced by Operation Lone Star.
- Federal and state budget considerations influence a large number of people indirectly, with well-being potentially affected on both psychological and economic fronts.
Simulated Interviews
Border Patrol Agent (El Paso, Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see firsthand the impacts of Operation Lone Star, and reimbursement should help solidify our resources.
- Financial stability from federal reimbursements could improve more efficient operations and morale.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
State Government Employee (Austin, Texas)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe our state budget will benefit from reimbursement, potentially allowing us to reallocate funds to other critical areas.
- This can relieve some fiscal pressure off Texas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Teacher (San Antonio, Texas)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s hard to say how the reimbursement will trickle down to education, but if it eases state budget constraints, we might see positive outcomes.
- Any relief in state budget might mean less pressure on education funding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired (Houston, Texas)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I doubt I'll notice much difference in my daily life or services from this reimbursement.
- My main concerns are healthcare and state tax – hopefully, there are indirect benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Local Business Owner (McAllen, Texas)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Security measures can impact local business traffic, but with reimbursements, I hope to see more stable economic times.
- Ultimately, it may stabilize consumer behavior and spending.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Asylum Lawyer (Dallas, Texas)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reimbursements perpetuate these operations, which can challenge our humanitarian efforts.
- I am concerned about the well-being and rights of my clients.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 4 |
Undocumented Migrant (Brownsville, Texas)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased funding seems to strengthen enforcement, making it more difficult for people like me.
- Any reimbursement means more focus on border security, which doesn’t make life any easier.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 2 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 2 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 3 |
State Tax Analyst (Corpus Christi, Texas)
Age: 49 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reimbursements will positively shift state budget allocations, potentially easing future tax burdens.
- Better balance in appropriations might come with reduced fiscal stress in long term.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
College Student (Laredo, Texas)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If state funds become more focused on education and infrastructure, I could benefit.
- Financial aid and school resources might improve if the state budget expands.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Farmer (Waco, Texas)
Age: 75 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't expect it’ll change much for folks like me, far from the border.
- Hope it doesn't mean higher taxes down the line.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1750000000 (Low: $1500000000, High: $2000000000)
Year 2: $1750000000 (Low: $1500000000, High: $2000000000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The state's financial administration documentation and receipts from Operation Lone Star will be reviewed to validate reimbursement claims accurately.
- DHS will need to determine eligibility and scope of costs under the reimbursement scheme.
- Funding source within the federal budget for this reimbursement needs clarification, as it could affect other funded programs.