Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has strongly criticized the Biden administration's auctioning of border wall materials, calling it "downright shameful" and expressing concern over the disregard for Texas and American families' safety. This action, she argues, favors detrimental open border policies.
Buckingham's office, along with the states of Texas and Missouri, have requested a status conference in a Texas district court. They aim to determine if the government has breached a court order that prohibits the use of funds allocated for wall construction for any other purpose. The Biden administration has been auctioning off these materials since at least 2023, following the halt of border wall construction in 2021.
These auctions gained attention last week after reports revealed the administration's apparent effort to clear out the materials before Christmas. A defense official stated that the Pentagon is disposing of the excess material in accordance with the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation required a plan for the use, transfer, or donation of remaining wall materials. The official clarified that border states, including Texas, were offered the materials before the auction and that the Department of Defense no longer holds authority over the sold materials.
Despite these explanations, Republicans remain critical of the auctions, viewing them as an attempt to obstruct future wall construction. Senator Bill Hagerty introduced legislation to halt the practice. Former President Trump stated he's collaborating with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to acquire the materials, criticizing the auctions as a costly and potentially "criminal act."
Paxton confirmed Texas's legal action, aiming to prevent the sale of border security materials and investigate the federal government's actions. He emphasized his commitment to supporting wall construction. Texas has expressed its intention to assist the incoming administration in building the border wall, including purchasing and storing the auctioned materials on state land.
