Beauprez: Secure America's Ports and Borders

WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Bob Beauprez (R-Colo) praised the passage of the Secure Fence Act of 2006, an emergency measure that would 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.

"Illegal immigration is out of control and this legislation is a good, common sense approach to gaining control of our ports and borders," said Beauprez.  "The Secure Fence Act will fortify our borders at their most heavily trafficked sections and provide greater security to the American people."

 Legislation includes:

• Providing 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;
• Mandating that 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;
• Requiring 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.