Issues
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Border Security Operational control of our borders should be among the highest priorities of Congress. I am frustrated by the continuous battle to secure funding for border security. The Secure Fence Act authorized the construction of 700 miles of double fencing along the U.S. border with Mexico, but only 30 miles of double fencing has been constructed. A variety of other barriers have been constructed along 670 miles. These barriers run the gamut from single layer fencing topped with concertina wire to vehicle barriers such as jersey walls that are low enough for illegal entrants to climb over. The FY2010 Appropriations for Homeland Security conference report dropped a Senate amendment that would have required the installation of all 700 miles of the border fence by the end of 2010. This same conference report provided a $10.1 billion for Customs and Border Protection, which is a 3 percent boost over the 2009 Homeland Security bill. Last year, the General Accountability Office reported that completion of all 700 miles would cost $6.5 billion over 20 years. Congress must ensure that these dollars are not wasted on unworkable systems. These facts have compelled me to cosponsor H.R. 3289, the Unlawful Border Entry Prevention Act of 2009, introduced by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA). This measure would authorize construction of an additional 350 miles of border fencing where it would be most practical and effective and provide for the installation of additional physical barriers, roads, lighting and cameras to gain operational control. It would also place requirements on the Homeland Security secretary to report to Congress when apprehensions in one year exceed apprehensions in the previous year by 40 percent. |