FOXX WORKS TO BOLSTER BORDER SECURITY

Thursday October 06, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Amy Auth
202-225-2071

WASHINGTON – United States Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.-5) tonight supported strengthening border security by voting for H.R. 2360, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations Act. The measure passed the House of Representatives on a vote of 347 to 70.

“In our post 9/11 world, we cannot separate national security from border security,” said Rep. Foxx.  “Passage of this Homeland Security bill is a step in the right direction toward strengthening border security.”

The bill provides $30.8 billion for DHS operations and activities in fiscal year 2006. Rep. Foxx cited the bill’s border patrol and immigration enforcement measures as key factors in her support.

H.R. 2360 provides $19.1 billion for border protection, immigration enforcement and related activities.  The bill also funds traditional missions such as immigration services, law enforcement and trade.  It provides $25 million to enforce laws related to forced child labor, intellectual property rights and textile transshipment.

Rep. Foxx also pointed out that $2.6 billion is set aside for traditional Coast Guard operating activities, including maritime safety, drug interdiction and fisheries, environment and humanitarian missions.

“These funds support next generation technology to screen high-risk cargo coming through our land and seaports; an expansion of cargo inspection at foreign ports; improvements to supply chain security; maritime security and support a robust revitalization of immigration enforcement efforts both along our borders and within the interior of the nation,” said Rep. Foxx.

“The number one threat to our national security is our unsecured border.  H.R. 2360 helps combat the inflow of illegal aliens by providing the resources enforcement agencies need,” she said.

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