Today, Congressman Bill Thomas voted in support of H.R. 6061, the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which overwhelmingly passed the House by a vote of 283-138.  If enacted, this critical piece of legislation would help strengthen and protect our nation’s borders by authorizing additional two-layered reinforced fencing along the southwest border.

“Today, the House demonstrated that while the ongoing debate on comprehensive immigration reform continues, we must act and secure our borders immediately,” said Thomas.  “I was pleased to vote for this important legislation, which will utilize physical and virtual security measures to help ensure the security and integrity of our nation’s borders.”

H.R. 6061 would provide over 700 miles of two-layered reinforced fencing along the southwest border, and would require an evaluation and report on the needs, feasibility, and economic impact of border security improvements along our northern border.  The Secure Fence Act would also authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to achieve and maintain operational control of our borders through a “virtual fence,” employing modern technology such as cameras, ground sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and integrated surveillance technology.  Finally, the bill would require DHS to evaluate and report back to Congress whether border personnel need additional powers to effectively disable fleeing vehicles, similar to the authority that the Coast Guard has for maritime vessels. 

H.R. 6160 will be sent to the Senate for its consideration.  If approved by the Senate, H.R. 6061 would be sent to the President for his signature.

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