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9/14/2006   For Immediate Release Print this page

Capito Supports Measure to Secure Borders
Congresswoman says border fence, increased surveillance technology will help gain control of our borders

WASHINGTON - Legislation that will authorize over 700 miles of additional fencing and state-of-the-art technology and surveillance equipment to help secure our borders passed the U.S. House today with strong support from Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

The legislation, the Secure Fence Act of 2006 (H.R. 6061), is the first in a series of border security initiatives the House of Representatives is expected to undertake this year in order to give our Border Patrol agents the tools they need to gain control of our borders.

"The Secure Fence Act takes the necessary steps to give our Border Patrol agents the tools they need secure our border, stop illegal immigration, and protect our country," said Rep. Capito.

The Secure Fence Act strengthens operational control of our borders through additional physical barriers and fencing and greater use of state-of-the-art technology and surveillance equipment, including:

        Authorizing over 700 miles of multi-layered reinforced fencing along the southwest border with prioritized placement at critical, highly populated areas

        Mandating the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) achieve and maintain operation control over the entire border through a "virtual fence" that deploys cameras, ground sensors and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

       Requiring DHS to evaluate the infrastructure needs and vulnerabilities along the northern border

Rep. Capito concluded, "While the brave men and women of our military fight terrorists in other parts of the world, we find ourselves waging a war here at home on our southern border.  It is a war we are unfortunately losing because we have no control over our border and no idea who is entering our country.  Common-sense border security initiatives like the Secure Fence Act will help win this war and secure our borders."

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