FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Contact: Brad Dayspring
Thursday, October 26, 2006 (202) 225-3484

Secure Fence Act Latest in Successful GOP Actions to Protect America’s Borders
Democrat approach of rewarding illegal behavior dangerous for Americans
 
DALLAS, TEXAS - Congressman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) today praised the signing of the Secure Fence Act, H.R. 6061, legislation that he both co-sponsored and voted for.  Hensarling contrasted the Republican “border security first” approach to immigration reform with the Democrat approach of rewarding illegal behavior by granting amnesty, citizenship preferences and providing government benefits to those who are here illegally.

 

“It is clear that while the Republican led House understands that protecting America is our number one responsibility, Nancy Pelosi’s Democrats just don’t understand the meaning of ‘security,” said Hensarling.  “Reinforcing our border with critical fencing and barriers, virtual fences, and cutting edge surveillance technology helps our border agents protect America by halting the flow of illegal immigration. 

 

Hensarling noted that according to most surveys, nearly 80 percent of Americans support the border security first approach to immigration reform that the Republican led Congress has acted on. 

 

“This is an important step in our nation’s efforts to secure our borders and reform our immigration policy, and is one of many examples of the clear choice that voters will have on Election Day,” said Hensarling.  “Republican border security or Democrat amnesty, Republican pro-growth tax relief or Democrat tax increases, Republican efforts to ensure victory in the War on Terror or Democratic cut and run policies.   The list goes on and on.” 

  

Key Republican Border Security Accomplishments During September-October

 

Ø      Secure Fence Act (Signed into law):  authorizes construction of 700 miles of reinforced fencing along the southwest border.

 

Ø      FY 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report (Signed into Law): Funds critical measures designed to strengthen America’s border security, providing $21.3 billion for border protection and immigration enforcement

It also provides:

·        $2.77 billion for border patrol, adding 1,500 new Border Patrol agents, for a total of 14,800;

·        $1.2 billion for border fencing, vehicle barriers, technology and infrastructure; and $4.2 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

 

Ø      Border Tunnel Prevention Act (Signed Into Law): Makes it a crime to knowingly construct, finance, or allow the construction of an unauthorized tunnel across a U.S. international border.  Individuals caught using such a tunnel to smuggle aliens, contraband, drugs, weapons, or terrorists face penalties of more than 20 years in jail.

 

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