Legislation will enhance national security by authorizing physical barriers and providing more authority for border officials

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Melissa Hart said today that she will vote for legislation to provide additional security at our borders. In addition to establishing more physical barriers, the Secure Fence Act authorizes increased deployment of state-of-the-art technology and provides increased authority to border security to disable fleeing vehicles. The House is scheduled to vote on the legislation later today.

“Securing our border is a critical part of our national security. Lack of control over who gains entry into our country seriously erodes our ability to keep terrorists from entering and attacking us,” said Hart. “Securing our borders will also limit the ability of drug smugglers and criminals from entering our country. This legislation is an important first step toward reestablishing control of our borders and enhancing our safety.”

The legislation scheduled to be considered today by the House of Representatives will:

• Authorize more than 700 miles of two-layered reinforced physical barriers along critical areas on the southwest border.

• Require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to evaluate vulnerabilities and infrastructure needs along the northern border.

• Require DHS to maintain operational control over the entire border by deploying advanced technology such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), ground sensors, cameras and other surveillance technology.

• Require DHS to provide authority to all border security personnel to disable fleeing vehicles, similar to the authority that the U.S. Coast Guard holds for maritime vessels.

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http://hart.house.gov