House Concurrent Resolution No. 40, sponsored by Gerdes and others, urges the United States Congress to reimburse the State of Texas for the significant expenses incurred in securing the southern border through Operation Lone Star. Launched by Governor Greg Abbott in March 2021, this initiative was a response to escalating migrant crossings and drug trafficking, leading Texas to invest billions in various security measures, including surveillance technologies and support for local law enforcement. The operation has resulted in over 516,300 apprehensions of illegal immigrants and more than 45,300 arrests related to human smuggling and drug trafficking.

The resolution highlights the federal government's lack of action in border security, emphasizing that it is primarily the federal government's responsibility to secure the nation's borders. It calls on Congress to acknowledge its failure to address the ongoing crisis at the southern border and to take responsibility by reimbursing Texas for its border security expenditures. The resolution also directs the Texas Secretary of State to send copies to key federal officials and members of the Texas congressional delegation, requesting that it be entered into the Congressional Record.