|
October 12, 2006—President Bush yesterday demonstrated strong support for the double border fence and need for border security. He said, "[W]e're actually building fence, we're building double fence in particular-- in areas where there is a high vulnerability for people being able to sneak in...it is difficult to fence the entire border, but you can use a combination of fencing and technology to make it easier for the Border Patrol to enforce our border." Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) last week stood by the President's side in Phoenix as he signed the legislation that appropriates to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) $1.2 billion for border fencing, vehicle barriers, technology, and infrastructure. In response to the President's comments yesterday, Congressman Franks added,
"Americans are in danger by merciless terrorists who threaten our very existence and the future of our children. In a world where weapons proliferation is rampant, we must not tolerate porous borders. Thankfully, Republicans in the House have tirelessly been working to respond to this threat and the demands of the American people. Last month the House passed the Secure Fence Act, which directs DHS to build at least two layers of reinforced fencing. This will significantly help to secure our borders, which is absolutely essential if we are going to secure our nation. I was honored to stand by President Bush as he signed the legislation that would implement these practical steps.
"Although this brings some relief, I remain dismayed by the Democrats' persistence to impede the Republican efforts to secure the border. When this bill was being considered Democrats offered another version of the border security bill which didn't even use the word "fence" in the entire bill. Moreover, even the Democrats' Leader, Nanci Pelosi, and the Ranking Member on the Committee on Homeland Security, Bennie Thompson, opposed the bill that would provide tough border protections for a secure homeland. Once again, it is Republicans-not Democrats-who have demonstrated their commitment to uphold their duty to protect Americans from foreign and domestic enemies."
Trent Franks is the Congressman from the 2nd Congressional District of Arizona. He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Judiciary Committee and Vice Chairman of the Constitution Subcommittee
|
|