Rep. Craig Goldman, R-Texas, said Thursday that Congress must pass the Senate's reconciliation package to strengthen border security, fully fund homeland security agencies and reimburse Texas for billions of dollars the state spent securing the U.S.-Mexico border during the Biden administration.

Appearing on Newsmax’s “Wake Up America,” Goldman argued that Texas was forced to shoulder costs that should have been borne by the federal government.

“Well, I was in the state House for over 12 years where I voted to fund our border, the Texas border," Goldman said, adding that $10 to $15 billion was spent “out of Texas's own budget because the Biden administration would not spend money on border security, border control to protect the Texas border from the south.”

“So we certainly hope that we can get this bill passed, refund Texas for the $11 to $15 billion that we've spent on our own, and then fully fund our homeland, he said.”

Goldman's comments came as Senate Republicans moved forward with a roughly $70 billion reconciliation measure designed to provide long-term funding for immigration enforcement agencies, including ICE and Customs and Border Protection.

The legislation would direct tens of billions of dollars toward hiring personnel, expanding enforcement operations and enhancing border security through 2029.

The Senate voted Wednesday to begin debate on the package, setting up a series of amendment votes before final passage. Republicans are using the budget reconciliation process, which allows the measure to pass with a simple majority vote and without Democratic support in the Senate.

Goldman dismissed concerns that disputes over provisions such as an anti-weaponization fund or Democratic opposition would derail the legislation.

“I don't think it's going to slow it down,” Goldman said. “I don't think we need one Democrat. I don't think we can count on one Democrat to vote for it.”

The Texas Republican pointed to concerns raised by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin regarding staffing shortages and uncertainty at homeland security agencies.

“He's losing TSA officers, he's losing border security officers because of the uncertainty in whether they're going to get a paycheck or not,” Goldman said. “Numbers are down, and he's not able to go out and hire new people because they're not funded.”

Goldman warned that failure to pass the bill would have broader implications for national security.

“So again, major national security implications by this bill not being passed,” he said. “And so I think you'll see enough Republicans voting for it. So we finally get it done.”

Republicans have argued that the legislation is necessary to prevent future funding disruptions at DHS and immigration enforcement agencies after previous political battles over border security funding. The package would provide billions for ICE operations, CBP personnel and broader homeland security initiatives.

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