H.R. 163 — Finish the Wall Act

This section directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, not later than 24 hours after enactment, to resume all activities related to border wall system construction (i.e., physical barriers, tactical infrastructure, and technology) along the U.S.-Mexico border that were underway or planned prior to January 20, 2021; prohibits cancellation of related contracts entered into on or before that date; and requires expenditure of all funds appropriated or obligated for such construction since October 1, 2016. The section further requires (1) submission within 30 days after enactment of an implementation plan to complete such construction by September 30, 2026; (2) submission within 90 days after enactment of a plan with quarterly benchmarks and cost estimates to complete all related requirements, including tactical infrastructure and technology identified by the Department of Homeland Security prior to January 20, 2021, using funds appropriated since October 1, 2016, and any future appropriations; and (3) adherence to all prior written agreements with private citizens, state, local, and Tribal governments, and other stakeholders concerning current and future border wall system construction.

This section directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, not later than 14 days after enactment, to ensure and certify to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs that U.S. Customs and Border Protection fully complies with the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005 (i.e., collection and analysis of DNA samples from certain arrestees, detainees, and non-U.S. persons in federal custody) at all border facilities processing adults, including as part of family units.

This section defines, for purposes of the Act, (1) appropriate congressional committees as the House Committees on Homeland Security and Appropriations and the Senate Committees on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Appropriations; (2) tactical infrastructure as boat ramps, access gates, checkpoints, lighting, and roads associated with a border wall system; and (3) technology as border surveillance and detection technology, including linear ground detection systems, associated with a border wall system.