This bill requires DHS to resume construction of the southern border wall that was halted after January 20, 2021. It mandates spending all appropriated funds for barrier construction and prohibits canceling existing wall contracts.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill requires DHS to resume construction of the southern border wall that was halted after January 20, 2021. It mandates spending all appropriated funds for barrier construction and prohibits canceling existing wall contracts.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Finish the Wall Act</strong></p> <p>This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume activities related to the construction of a barrier system along the U.S.-Mexico border and addresses other border-related issues.</p> <p>DHS must resume all such construction activities that were planned or underway prior to January 20, 2021. DHS must also expend all funds appropriated or explicitly obligated since October 1, 2016, for construction of this barrier system. DHS may not cancel contracts for activities related to such construction entered into on or before January 20, 2021. </p> <p>Furthermore, within 14 days of this bill's enactment, DHS must certify to Congress that U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities that process adults taken into custody at the border are fully compliant with certain laws related to the collection of DNA. (Among other things, these laws allow for the collection of DNA samples from non-U.S. persons detained under U.S. authority.)</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Requires resumption of border wall construction
Mandates spending all appropriated wall funds
Prohibits canceling pre-2021 wall contracts
Requires DNA collection certification at border facilities
Addresses construction halted by Biden administration
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Border wall construction that stopped under the Biden administration would restart, using funds already allocated by Congress. Supporters say completing physical barriers is essential for border security. Opponents argue walls are ineffective and environmentally damaging.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Immigration
Related Subjects
Border security and unlawful immigration
Congressional oversight
Department of Homeland Security
Executive agency funding and structure
Genetics
Immigration status and procedures
Public contracts and procurement
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
163, 119th Congress (2025). "Finish the Wall Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-163
