Capito Introduces Bill to Secure Border

Statement

Capito Introduces Bill to Secure Border

Legislation Would Create Trust Fund for Border Fencing

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) has introduced legislation that would amend the federal tax code to create a trust fund designated for improvements to barriers along the southwest border.

"I still believe the federal government should do more to tackle illegal immigration, and the first priority has to be better protection along our southwest border," said Capito.

"My bill, the Border Fence Trust Fund Act, will give taxpayers the option of checking a box on their tax forms to contribute $5 to a Border Improvement Trust Fund. The dollars in this fund could only be spent on improvements to physical barriers on the border that have been authorized by law, and the legislation does not increase taxes."

An estimate by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) puts the average cost per mile for pedestrian fencing at $3 million, with maintenance costs amounting to roughly 15% of the overall project costs per year.

"The fund this legislation creates will stand as a lasting reminder to our government not to shirk its responsibility to build and then properly maintain security fencing on the border. By law, the government needs to have 370 miles finished this year. So far, a total of 700 miles of fence have been authorized to be built. They still have work to do."

"The Border Fence Trust Fund Act makes the statements that border security is a priority and commitments must be followed through. Regardless of how much fence is constructed, over the long term it will need maintenance and repairs to ensure its integrity," Capito said.

Capito is a member of the Immigration Reform Caucus, which was established in 1999 to review current immigration policy, to initiate new immigration policy, and to create a forum in Congress to discuss legal and illegal immigration.

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