(ConservativeHub.com) – The notion of Texas seceding from the United States has been a topic of speculative discussion, gaining renewed attention amidst political actions and statements, notably following Governor Greg Abbott’s directive for the Texas National Guard to secure the U.S.-Mexico border with barbed wire. The continuation of this practice comes despite a recent Supreme Court decision, which stated that federal Border Patrol agents have the authority to remove such physical barriers. This has ignited a debate over state versus federal jurisdiction and fueling secessionist sentiments among some factions.
A recent report from Newsweek explores the potential ramifications of a secession. The financial implications of such a hypothetical secession are profound, especially in the realm of transportation infrastructure. The backdrop to this discussion is the significant federal investment earmarked for Texas under President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure bill, signed into law in November 2021. This legislation, valued at $1 trillion, is designed to bolster the nation’s infrastructure, with Texas expected to benefit to the tune of approximately $12.6 billion. These funds are allocated for a broad spectrum of projects, including the enhancement of roads, bridges, public transit systems, ports, airports, and the improvement of water infrastructure, aiming to modernize the state’s transportation networks and support economic growth.
Nicholas B. Creel, a business law professor at Georgia College & State University, offers a stark assessment of the financial ramifications for Texas should it pursue a path of secession, according to Newsweek. Creel warns that such a move would not only confront constitutional barriers but would also precipitate an immediate and severe fiscal crisis. The withdrawal from the union would result in the cessation of federal funds, which currently play a crucial role in supporting various state projects and services, including those in the transportation sector. This loss of funding would create a significant shortfall in the Texas state budget, challenging the state’s ability to maintain and improve its infrastructure independently.
Moreover, Creel raises concerns about the broader political and social consequences of secessionist endeavors. He suggests that any serious attempt by Texas to secede could escalate tensions to a level reminiscent of the prelude to civil war, underscoring the gravity of such actions. In this fraught scenario, it is highly unlikely that the federal government would continue to channel funds to a state in open defiance, further exacerbating the financial and logistical challenges faced by Texas.
Copyright 2024, ConservativeHub.com
