FOXX APPLAUDS SIGNING OF BORDER FENCE BILL INTO LAW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael Frohlich
202-225-2071

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) praised the signing of H.R. 6061, The Secure Fence Act of 2006, into law today. The Secure Fence Act authorizes 700 miles of two-layered reinforced fencing and mandates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) achieve and maintain operational control over the entire border through various methods such as ground sensors, cameras and other surveillance technology.  Not only does The Secure Fence Act provide for a physical barrier but it also calls for more systematic surveillance of our borders through adding more border patrol agents and state-of-the-art technology. Additionally, it requires DHS to give border patrol agents the authority to disable fleeing vehicles.

Upon enactment into law of The Secure Fence Act of 2006, Congresswoman Foxx issued the following statement: “We will be safer as a nation as a result of this necessary step in securing our borders. Border security and national security are inextricably linked; the threat of terrorists crossing our borders is far too real. This law will address our country’s vulnerability and will dramatically reduce illegal immigration and the intrusion of terrorists.  I am disappointed that 131 Democrats voted against this legislation when it passed in the House of Representatives, but I am pleased the Republican led Congress was able to deliver this bill to the President’s desk for his signature in spite of this.”

The signing of the Secure Fence Act joins other key Republican border security accomplishments in recent weeks, the Border Tunnel Prevention Act, the Security and accountability for every (SAFE) Port Act and the FY 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report which included $1.2 billion for a border fence,  all of which were signed into law by the President. Foxx has been a relentless advocate for border security and has a strong record in securing our borders and fighting against illegal immigration. Foxx supported and voted for H.R. 418, the Real ID Act, H.R. 4437, The Border Protection, Antiterrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act and H.R. 4954, the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act.

###