Tougher security must include anti-tunnel bill
By David Dreier and Duncan Hunter

In January, federal officials announced the discovery of an elaborate cross-border tunnel connecting Otay Mesa and Tijuana: a complex 2,500-foot tunnel complete with electricity and ventilation systems and containing two tons of marijuana.

The discovery of this underground corridor was not only indicative of the unrelenting persistence of criminals and drug smugglers to quietly enter our country, but also demonstrated one more way terrorists could potentially exploit our porous borders and strike within the United States. Unfortunately, the Otay Mesa tunnel is just one of several underground corridors discovered between America's land borders, trafficking unknown numbers of individuals and illicit substances. In fact, 38 border tunnels have been discovered since Sept. 11, 2001. All but one was on the southern border.

Simply discovering tunnels will not prevent their future construction and utilization. And, while technology will certainly help us achieve this goal, it's only part of the solution. Tunneling will only begin to subside after clear and definitive penalties are enacted for those who believe it's a reliable and safe method of entry. Surprisingly, laws affecting those involved in such outrageous acts are ineffectual and, in many ways, non-existent.

This week, the House of Representatives is maintaining it's commitment to strengthening border security by taking a tough stand on border tunnels and those who construct them. The Border Tunnel Prevention Act, which criminalizes the construction or use of unauthorized tunnel or subterranean passage with a prison term of up to 20 years, is a critical piece of legislation and presents the right approach. As necessary, the act also punishes those who recklessly permit others to construct or knowingly use a tunnel on their land, and doubles prison sentences for those who use tunnels to smuggle aliens, weapons, drugs, terrorists, or other illegal substances.

The Border Tunnel Prevention Act is just the latest example of House Republicans taking a strong stand when it comes to border security. Last December, we passed the Border Security Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2006. That legislation included a critical amendment, which we sponsored, to pursue strategic fencing along high traffic areas of the border. The fence here in San Diego is a prime example of how it can be effective. House Republicans have also provided the funding to hire 1,500 new Border Patrol agents this year and 1,200 next year.

Cracking down on those who use and construct tunnels, as well as those who let them be constructed on their property, is another common-sense element to what must be a full-court press to securing our border. When combined with a strengthened Border Patrol, enhanced use of sensory technology and strategic fencing in heavily trafficked areas, we will have an across-the-board approach to smarter border security. Over land, in the air and underground, a commitment is being made to control and secure the border.