U.S. HOUSE APPROVES SECURE FENCE ACT TO
STRENGTHEN AMERICA’S BORDER SECURITY

 LATHAM: LEGISLATION BOLSTERS IOWA’S FIGHT
AGAINST MEXICAN METH TRAFFICKING  

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. House of Representatives approved a Republican-authored proposal Thursday that aims to strengthen operational control of all borders and ports through the construction of additional physical barriers and greater use of state-of-the-art technology and surveillance.  The primary focus of the legislation, the Secure Fence Act (H.R. 6061), is the authorization of more than 700 miles of two-layered reinforced fencing along the southwest border between the United States and Mexico.

Iowa Congressman Tom Latham, a supporter of the border security initiative, noted that Iowans in particular should support the measure based on valid national security and illegal drug concerns.  A Department of Homeland Security official testified before a Congressional Committee this week that 80 percent of the meth supply is now manufactured in "super labs" in Mexico that can produce 10 pounds of meth in a day.

“Iowa has been effective in shutting down the majority of meth production labs in the state,” said Iowa Congressman Tom Latham.  “However, we must now effectively address the meth being brought into Iowa from Mexican drug trafficking organizations.  This legislation addresses the immediate security needs of America’s borders to shut down illegal immigration, potential access points for terrorists, and the importation of illegal drugs that continue to threaten Iowa families.”

In addition to the 700 mile fence provision, the legislation which is the first in a series of measures that will be considered by Congress over the next three weeks will:

- Provide for state-of-the-art technology and surveillance along the entire southern border via a “virtual fence” that deploys cameras, ground sensors, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and integrated surveillance technology. 

- Require the Department of Homeland Security 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; and

- Require the Department of Homeland Security to fully assess our nation’s northern border vulnerabilities.

The legislation passed the House by a vote of  283-138 and now awaits action by the United States Senate.