Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday called on Congress to reimburse Texas for its border security operation, Operation Lone Star. Abbott sent letters to the leaders of the U.S. House and Senate and entire Texas congressional delegation requesting the federal government reimburse Texas for more than $11.

In a letter to U.S. congressional leaders, the governor blamed previous border security policy for leaving Texas “defenseless,” forcing state officials to spend billions.

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott asked Congress to reimburse the state for billions of dollars in Texas taxpayer money spent on border security during former President Joe Biden’s administration. In letters Thursday to congressional leaders and the state delegation, Abbott requested more than $11 billion from Washington.