The "Border Security is National Security Act" allocates $10 billion to the Department of Defense for border security support, enabling activities such as personnel deployment, surveillance technology, infrastructure construction, and training, while preserving presidential authority.
Jim Banks
Senator
IN
The "Border Security is National Security Act" allocates $10 billion to the Department of Defense for supporting border security efforts in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. These funds will be used for personnel, technology, infrastructure, and training to enhance border control. The Act also allows the Secretary of Defense to transfer funds within the Department to ensure resources are available for border security needs. It affirms that the Act does not limit the President's authority as Commander-in-Chief.
$10 Billion Border Security Bill Lets Military Tap Other Budgets: DoD Funds Earmarked Through 2028
The "Border Security is National Security Act" greenlights a hefty $10 billion for the Department of Defense (DoD) specifically to beef up border security, and it's raising some serious questions about military priorities and resource use.
Cash and Control
The bill, running through September 30, 2028, doesn't just throw money at the border—it lets the Secretary of Defense shift funds from other military areas, like personnel, operations, maintenance, and even procurement, to pay for things like:
- Military personnel costs.
- Surveillance systems (including those fancy autonomous towers).
- Fences, barriers, and patrol roads.
- Military aviation, including airlifts.
- Counter-drone systems and ground vehicles (like Humvees).
- Training Activities
Essentially, this means money initially intended for, say, maintaining a fleet of fighter jets or providing healthcare for service members could be redirected to building border walls or flying drones along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Secretary of Defense has to notify congressional defense committees within 45 days of any fund transfers (SEC. 4), but the power to reallocate is broad.
The Real-World Impact
Imagine a scenario where a National Guard unit, already stretched thin, has its maintenance budget slashed to pay for increased border patrols. Or picture a defense contractor that was expecting a contract to upgrade communications equipment, only to see those funds diverted to building a border fence. This bill could have ripple effects across the military and related industries.
While increased border security might sound good on paper, the reality is that pulling $10 billion from other, potentially critical, defense programs could leave gaps elsewhere. It's like robbing Peter to pay Paul – you might solve one problem, but you could create another. It is important to remember, that increased border security might reduce illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities.
The Big Picture
This bill also reinforces the President's authority to use the military for border security, citing the Constitution, existing federal laws (like chapter 15 of title 10, U.S. Code), and previous DoD funding appropriations (SEC. 2). Section 5 explicitly states that nothing in this law limits the President's power as Commander-in-Chief. This could set a precedent for even greater military involvement in domestic law enforcement, blurring the lines between military operations and civilian policing. It's a move that deserves close scrutiny, given the potential implications for civil liberties and the traditional role of the military.
While the bill's stated goals of enhancing border security and curbing illegal activity are understandable, the method – diverting significant resources from other defense needs and potentially expanding military involvement in domestic affairs – raises serious concerns about long-term consequences and the balance between security and other national priorities.