Our nation’s security depends on secure borders. I have worked hard with a number of my colleagues in Congress to improve border security measures—such as supplying Border Patrol agents with the resources they need to do their jobs properly and increasing funding for emergency border security.  President Obama announced the deployment of 1,200 National Guard troops to the Southern border on May 25, 2010.  Although this action represents a tangible step toward securing our border, it is imperative that we provide further support.  

On May 26, 2010, I was proud to cosponsor an amendment introduced by Senator McCain to send an additional 6,000 National Guard personnel to our Southern border.  I also voted in support of two amendments to the Fiscal Year 2010 War Supplemental bill that would have provided additional funds for equipment, personnel, and training for border security agencies at the local, state and national levels.  Unfortunately these measures did not pass on the Senate floor.

I will continue the fight to ensure that our government fully funds programs necessary to keep our borders secure.