Eradication of carrizo cane and salt cedar

(a) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in coordination with the heads of relevant Federal, State, and local agencies, shall hire contractors to begin eradicating the carrizo cane plant and any salt cedar along the Rio Grande River that impedes border security operations. Such eradication shall be completed— (1) by not later than September 30, 2027, except for required maintenance; and (2) in the most expeditious and cost-effective manner possible to maintain clear fields of view. (b) Application The waiver authority under subsection (c) of section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1103 note), as amended by section 103 of this division, shall apply to activities carried out pursuant to subsection (a). (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a strategic plan to eradicate all carrizo cane plant and salt cedar along the Rio Grande River that impedes border security operations by not later than September 30, 2027. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to the Secretary to carry out this subsection.