WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced legislation that would restore border wall construction and use unobligated COVID-19 funds to cover the costs. The Build the Wall Act would establish the “Southern Border Wall Construction Fund” and require the Department of Homeland Security to use any unobligated Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to construct and maintain physical barriers along the southern border of the United States.

“From day one, the Biden administration held the authority and tools to stem the flow of illegal immigrants and illicit drugs. Three years and 9.65 million illegal immigrants later, President Biden still refuses to take action,” said Risch. “Resuming construction of the wall is an easy step that would provide immediate relief. I am calling on Democrats to pass this legislation now.”

“Border walls work. Before President Biden came into office, we were well on our way to a secure and safe southern border. But on his first day in office, the president and Democrats rolled out the welcome mat for millions of illegal immigrants to come into our nation,” said Barrasso. “We must hold Democrats accountable for their open border policies that have created the worst border crisis in our nation’s history. If they are serious about securing our border, they should have no issues voting for a policy that actually works and is already paid for.”

Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined Risch and Barrasso in introducing the legislation.