FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 1999
CONTACT: Lisette McSoud Mondello
SENATOR HUTCHISON SECURES FUNDING
FOR 1,000 NEW BORDER PATROL AGENTS IN 2000
-- Forces Justice Department to Report on Operation Rio Grande --
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison obtained legislation today that directs the Immigration and Naturalization Service to hire 1,000 new Border Patrol agents or use the money to otherwise strengthen its manpower.
The bill contains funds to hire 1,000 new Border Patrol agents in Fiscal Year 2000. After January 1, 2000, the INS can use the money for recruiting bonuses to hire new agents. If the INS fails to hire 1,000 new Border Patrol agents by June 1, 2000, the funds can be used to give raises to career border patrol officers to enhance retention.
The funding move came during a Senate-House conference on the Fiscal Year 2000 Commerce, Justice and State Appropriations bill.
"The Border Patrol has more work than agents," said Senator Hutchison. "Congress is making it a priority to protect our border and local citizens."
These moves are needed because the Border Patrol claims it's been unable to hire 1,000 agents as instructed by Congress. The money can only be used for new hires or to keep agents on the force. This summer the agency told Congress it would hire only 400 to 600 new agents in 1999. Though it was given funds to hire 1,000 agents last year, the money was spent on office equipment and uniforms.
"New office equipment doesn't safeguard our border, "said Senator Hutchison. "More agents will. And that is what this legislation requires."
The bill also requires the Justice Department to report to Congress on the status of a lawsuit against the Border Patrol's Operation Rio Grande, which includes the placement of two dozen lights along the border to halt night infiltration of narcotics and illegal immigrants. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service claims the lights interfere with the habits of nocturnal ocelots.
"Not one light should be turned off," said Senator Hutchison. "The Fish and Wildlife Service must help solve this issue in a way that doesn't weaken border enforcement."
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