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Coburn Statement on Passage Of Border Control Fence Bill
September 29, 2006
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK) today hailed passage of the Secure Fence Act of 2006 as a first step in securing our nation’s borders.
“The American people have rightfully demanded Congress take action to secure our nation’s borders,” Dr. Coburn said. “The public understands the issue is not only about curbing illegal immigration. Securing our borders is also an urgent national security issue. While there is more work to be done, I’m pleased the Senate has taken this first step in securing America’s borders.”
The Secure Fence Act of 2006 (H.R. 6061) directs the Department of Homeland Security to construct 700 miles of fence along the southern border of the United States. The bill also provides for increased surveillance along the border through the use of unmanned aerial drones, ground-based sensors, satellites, radar coverage and cameras. Also, the bill calls for vehicle barriers to be constructed along the border to prevent unlawful border entry and to facilitate lawful entry at checkpoints monitored by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The bill also requires the department to annually report to Congress the progress on border control.
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