House Democrats have Record of Opposing
Strong Border Security Measures
October 25, 2006

House Democrats continue talking tough when it comes to border security, but they are obviously hoping Americans don't look at their record.  When given the opportunity to support strong border security measures, Democrats have consistently voted no.

* 164 House Democrats voted against H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act, which was passed by the House last December.

* 131 House Democrats voted against H.R. 6061, the Secure Fence Act of 2006, an emergency measure that would mandate operational control of all borders and ports through enhanced Border Patrol operations, physical barriers, and state-of-the-art technology along the southwest border, including reinforced fencing.

* 134 House Democrats voted against H.R. 6095, the Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 2006, a bill that would reaffirm the authority of State and local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws, authorize an increase in methods of to prosecute alien smugglers, and end the policy of "Catch and Release" in the United States.

* 91 House Democrats voted against H.R. 6094, the Community Protection Act, which would authorize the expedited removal of alien criminals, the detention of these dangerous criminals who for various reasons might not be able to be immediately deported, and tougher laws against illegal immigrants found to be members of street gangs.

The Secure Fence Act to be signed into law this Thursday

On Thursday, President Bush will sign the Secure Fence Act into law.  The legislation authorizes the construction of a 700-mile fence at critical points along our southwest border and requires the Department of Homeland Security to maintain operational control of our borders through a "virtual fence" of security technology.

House Republicans continue efforts to strengthen border security

Earlier this month, the President signed into law the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, legislation that increases funding for border security and immigration enforcement, and criminalizes the construction of border tunnels.

The Homeland Security Appropriations Act provides $21.3 billion for border protection and immigration enforcement, a $2.1 billion increase over last year.  Among other things, this funding includes:

* $2.27 billion for the border patrol.  That funding will help add an additional 1,500 new Border Patrol agents, for a total of 14,800 agents. 

* $1.2 billion for additional border fencing, vehicle barriers, technology and infrastructure.

* $5.2 billion for the Secure Border Initiative, a Department of Homeland Security priority that will help provide the tools and personnel needed to prevent terrorists and other criminals from crossing our border.

* $4.2 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).