Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, H.R. 6061, the Secure Fence Act, was signed into law. This bill is an important step to curbing illegal immigration. On September 14, the House passed the H.R. 6061 by a vote of 283 to 138. This law strengthens our nation’s border security.
During the month of August, Congressional field hearings across the country highlighted this issue. Testimony from border agents and law enforcement officials time and again stressed the need for the strengthening of our nation’s borders. Over the past year, Congress has provided nearly $20 billion in funding for new Border Patrol agents, detention beds, fencing and advanced technologies to aid in enforcement efforts.
Congressman Davis stated, “Border security has long been my top priority in our ongoing effort to combat illegal immigration. I was proud to be a co-sponsor of H.R. 6061, the Secure Fence Act. I believe that this law is a strong first step to securing our porous borders and stopping the influx of illegal immigration into our nation. When Congress reconvenes, I am committed to continuing to address the issues related to illegal immigration.”
Among other things, H.R. 6061 will:
- Authorize more than 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;
- Mandate that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) achieve and maintain operational control over the entire border through a “virtual fence” that deploys cameras, ground sensors, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and integrated surveillance technology;
- Require DHS to provide all necessary authority to border personnel to disable fleeing vehicles, similar to the authority held by the United States Coast Guard for maritime vessels; and
- Require DHS to assess vulnerabilities on the northern border.
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