WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Chris Cannon (R-UT) today expressed his support for the Secure Fence Act (H.R. 6061), which will require the construction of 700 miles of fencing along the Mexican border.  The Secure Fence Act is an emergency measure that would also mandate operational control of all borders and ports through enhanced Border Patrol operations, physical barriers, and state-of-the-art technology along the southwest border, including reinforced fencing. 

“Securing the border and deterring illegal immigration is one of the most important issues Congress is addressing.  This bill is a good first step towards stemming the tide of illegal immigration, and provides the American people the confidence that Congress is serious about securing our border,” Cannon said. 

The legislation, which the House of Representatives will take up later today, provides for over 700 miles of two-layered reinforced fencing along the southwest border with prioritized placement at critical, highly populated areas and requiring an evaluation of infrastructure needs along the northern border of the United States.

The bill also mandates that DHS achieve and maintain operational control over the entire border through a “virtual fence” that deploys cameras, ground sensors, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and integrated surveillance technology.

It requires the DHS to provide all necessary authority to border personnel to disable fleeing vehicles, similar to the authority held by the U.S. Coast Guard.