Dreier Praises DHS Action on Border Fence

September 14, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman David Dreier (R-CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, applauded an announcement from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff today that he will exercise his authority to expedite completion of the 14-mile gap in the U.S./Mexico border fence near San Diego. Dreier was a leader in the House’s effort to grant this authority to the DHS earlier this year. It was approved by the House in the REAL ID Act of 2005, which became law in May.

"It’s been nearly a decade since this fence was authorized, so it’s high time we see it actually completed," Dreier said. "Secretary Chertoff rightly places this initiative at the top of his border security efforts. This will go a long way toward reducing border crossings in this critical corridor, which is vital to our national security."

According the DHS, the new construction will use the latest technology to further enhance the effectiveness of the fence. Included in the improvements will be: multiple layers of security, building access roads to enable the Border Patrol to speed response efforts, installing stadium style lighting to deter border crossers, and installing surveillance cameras to monitor incursion.

The fence was originally authorized by the Congress in 1996 but was held up by lawsuits based on environmental concerns. DHS has said it will take specific steps to minimize the environmental impact of the fence, including conducting environmental impact studies, excavating certain archeological sights affected by construction, and creating a restoration sight for certain endangered species.

Dreier said that environmental concerns cannot outweigh certain threats to our national security. "Ironically, the completion of this fence will actually improve environmental conditions in the area because it will reduce or eliminate foot traffic and trash left by illegal border crossings. Our national security has got to be the federal government’s top priority. Finishing this fence with the best technology available, and a balanced approach to environmental concerns, is a recognition of that fact. I applaud Secretary Chertoff’s action today and look forward to working with him on further border security enhancements in the future."