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News | Congressman Ed Whitfield | United States Representative
Whitfield Hails Signing of Secure Fence Act WASHINGTON, October 26 - U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield on Thursday issued the following statement on H.R. 6061, the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which President Bush signed into law this morning:

"I was proud to vote for the Secure Fence Act and I am pleased that President Bush has signed it into law. This bill creates a physical barrier that prevents people from entering this country illegally, including drug smugglers, criminals, and terrorists. Congress has appropriated the necessary funding for these added security measures, and construction of the fence will begin as soon as possible. We must take control of our borders to protect national security, and this legislation helps accomplish that goal."

"On the issue of immigration, Republicans in Congress have consistently put the safety and security of Americans first, fighting back Democratic proposals that would weaken those efforts. Securing our borders is our first and foremost responsibility in addressing immigration reform. This new approach marks a clear difference between Republicans and Democrats on one of the most pressing issues facing Americans today."

Key Republican Border Security Accomplishments

- Secure Fence Act (Signed into Law) Legislation authorizes construction of 700 miles of reinforced fencing along the southwest border.

- FY 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report (Signed into Law) Legislation funds critical measures designed to strengthen Americas 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).

- Border Tunnel Prevention Act (Signed Into Law) Legislation 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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