Bice Reintroduces the SAFE Border Act
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Stephanie Bice (OK-05) reintroduced the Securing American Families from Exploitation at the Border Act, or SAFE Border Act. She first introduced this legislation in the 117th Congress.
This legislation would transfer $75 million dollars of unobligated border construction funds unused by the Biden Administration to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish the Southern Border Landowner Security Grant Program. The program would enable American families who are in high-risk areas for illegal immigration to strengthen their own physical security. It would also provide modest compensation to landowners on the U.S. Mexico border who have experienced property damage, theft, or other losses from individuals illegally crossing the border. The two types of applicants would be required to submit specific documentation for all claims, and the Homeland Security Inspector General would be required to review applications for waste, fraud, and abuse on an annual basis.
“I visited the southern border twice and saw with my own eyes the devastating impacts of the border crisis on American families and businesses,” Rep. Bice said. “Since President Biden won’t take action, House Republicans will. My legislation serves as a step toward providing safety for overwhelmed and vulnerable communities. We must find solutions to the Biden border crises.”
“Oklahoma Farm Bureau is proud to stand alongside Rep. Stephanie Bice once again in support of the SAFE Border Act,” said Rodd Moesel, Oklahoma Farm Bureau President. “This act would help our fellow Farm Bureau members in neighboring states deal with the theft and damage to property that can occur when illegal immigrants cross their land. We greatly appreciate Rep. Bice’s consideration and support of private property rights – something that has long been a priority for Farm Bureau members.”
“I want to thank Congresswoman Bice for championing this important piece of legislation. Border communities are suffering as a result of the Biden Administration’s refusal to secure the border,” said Brandon Judd, National Border Patrol Council President. “This legislation will allow farmers, ranchers, and property owners along the border, many of whom are valued partners of ours in protecting our border, to strengthen the physical security of their homes. It is a common sense approach to our current border crisis and I am happy to support.”
The legislative text can be found here.