Washington, Oct 31 -  

Dear Friend:

Last week, the Secure Fence Act was signed into law providing a new layer of border security. This legislation authorizes construction of both a physical fence along the southwest border, as well as a virtual border that employs state-of-the-art technology, such as cameras, satellites, and unmanned aerial vehicles, to reinforce security along the border.

Earlier this year, Congress approved the initial funding for construction of this border fence as well as vehicle barriers, tactical infrastructure, and technology. In fact, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007 provided $21.3 billion for border protection, immigration enforcement, and related activities. This includes;

• $2.27 billion for border patrol, which adds 1,500 new Border Patrol agents to our ranks;

• $5.2 billion for the Secure Border Initiative, which provides tools and personnel necessary to prevent terrorists and other criminals from exploiting our borders and immigration system; and

• $3.1 billion for the Coast Guard’s homeland security missions.

Since 2001, Congress has more than doubled funding for border security. Given this trend, by 2008, the number of Border Patrol will have doubled as well.

The old adage says that fences make good neighbors. By putting up both physical and virtual barriers to illegal entrance to this country we remind the world that America’s door is always open to legal immigrants, but that it is unacceptable to break in through the back door. America is a nation of immigrants, but it also a nation of laws and we must never forget that.

Sincerely,

Scott Garrett

Member of Congress

ISSUE OF THE WEEK: EPA ADMINISTRATOR STEPHEN JOHNSON HONORS PARAMUS TEACHER FOR HER WORK ON ENERGY CONSERVATION

Last Friday, I invited U.S. EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson to visit East Brook Middle School in Paramus to discuss the importance of energy conservation.

October is Energy Star Month, highlighting the technologies that have made modern conveniences more energy efficient. And, earlier this month, on October 4^th, we celebrated Change a Light, Change the World Day, which highlights new and improved light bulb technologies that help conserve energy. During this visit with local middle school students, Administrator Johnson noted how easy it is to make a real difference in energy conservation with just very simple changes in your personal habits. For instance, just changing one light bulb or fixture from regular light bulbs to Energy Star light bulbs will save an average of $30 or more in energy costs and prevent 450 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime. You can learn more about energy efficient products for your home at www.energystar.gov.

As part of the visit, Administrator Johnson and I honored Fifth Grade teacher Christine Ward Diaz for her nationally recognized work on energy conservation.

Ms. Diaz is one of four New Jersey teachers named as Presidential finalists in the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching competition. She has also received a Toshiba America Foundation grant and an ING Unsung Hero award. Ms. Diaz, who has been teaching math and science for nine years, was also her school’s Teacher of the Year in 2004-2005 and has recently been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Laboratory Science Teacher Professional Development Program.

CONGRESSMAN SCOTT GARRETT’S OFFICE COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU:

Congressman Garrett’s staff will be holding Mobile Constituent Service Hours in a number of Fifth District towns this week. The Congressman’s Constituent Service Officers are trained to act as your liaisons with Federal agencies. But, it’s not always easy to make it out to one of the Congressman’s district offices – in Paramus and Newton – to meet with one of them, especially when you are dealing with government red tape. These Mobile Constituent Service Hours sessions bring the Congressman’s office to you. So, if you are having trouble with a Federal program, such as Medicare, veterans benefits, Social Security, or more, please feel free to come by. And, please bring copies of any relevant paperwork with you to facilitate their work.

BRIAN, NISHA

Tuesday, October 31^st

Demarest

9:30 am to 11:30 am

Borough Hall, 118 Serpentine Road

Wednesday, November 1^st

Midland Park

10:00 am to noon

Library, 250 Godwin Avenue

Wednesday, November 1^st

Upper Saddle River

1:00 pm 3:00 pm

Borough Hall, 376 W. Saddle River Road

Thursday, November 2^nd

West Milford

10:00 am to noon

Town Hall, 1480 Union Valley Road

Thursday, November 2^nd

Rochelle Park

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Library, 151 West Passaic Street

Monday, November 6^th

Tenafly

10:00 am to noon

Public Library, 100 River Edge Road

Monday, November 6^th

Franklin Lakes

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Borough Hall, Dekorte Drive

Monday, November 6^th

Ringwood

5:30 pm to 7 pm

Borough Hall, 60 Margaret King Avenue