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MEDIA ADVISORY: Rodriguez Fights to Protect Our Borders

Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez (TX-23) led the fight Tuesday to protect our nation’s borders by co-sponsoring and supporting H.R. 6080, which strengthens security initiatives along the Southwest border. The bill, which passed the House by voice vote, funds border security initiatives at lower levels than Congressman Rodriguez has fought for, but it does provide for important needs along the border, such as additional agents, unmanned drones and technology.

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Rodriguez calls for House vote on Border Security Funding

Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez (TX-23) called upon leadership in the House of Representatives to bring a border security funding bill up for a vote on Tuesday when the House reconvenes in Washington.

The bill, which passed the Senate on Thursday, funds border security initiatives at significantly lower levels than Congressman Rodriguez advocates for, but it does provide for important needs along the border, such as additional agents, unmanned drones and technology.

“While I am pleased the Senate has voted to fund critical border security needs, I am disappointed that it is more than $100 million less than what the House recently passed,” said Congressman Rodriguez. “As a Texas Member representing nearly 800 miles of border, I now call on my colleagues in the House to pass this new and fully funded version of the bill on Tuesday when we reconvene in Washington so that these dollars can begin paying for new personnel, upgraded technology, more investigative units and resources to catch and prosecute drug traffickers.”

The bill does not add to the deficit and all of the $600 million is offset with increases to visa fees and cuts in other areas of the federal budget. It includes:

·        $176 million for 1,000 new Border Patrol agents to form a “strike force” to be deployed at most-needed areas

·        $50 million for 250 new ICE personnel, including special agents, intelligence analysts and support personnel

·        $39 million for Customs and Border Protection to keep the current levels of officers

·        $37 million for Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents along the border

·        $34 million for Drug Enforcement Administration agents along the border

·        $32 million to deploy unmanned aerial vehicle surveillance drones

·        $30 million for border interdiction by Immigration and Customs Enforcement

·        $29 million for 250 new Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry

·        $24 million for FBI agents along the border

·        $21 million Interagency Crime and Drug Law enforcement along the border

·        $20 million for the federal prison system to detain immigrant criminals

·        $14 million for communication equipment for new officers

·        $13 million for U.S. attorneys and other legal expenses

·        $10 million for federal judiciary resources for an anticipated higher caseload

·        $10 million for investigators to stop corruption in the Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection

·        $8 million for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

·        $8 million for U.S marshals along the border

·        $7 million for border processing of apprehended drug dealers and human traffickers

·        $6 million to deploy forward operating bases along the border (as opposed to using current bases that are 100 miles away)

·        $2.1 million for expediting administrative review and appeals along the border

Congressman Rodriguez, Vice-Chair of the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, has been at the forefront in fighting to restore critical funding for border security. He co-sponsored H.R. 5875, which provided $701 million in funding for 1, 200 border patrol agents, 500 additional officers at our ports of entry, and an additional $50 million in Operation Stonegarden grants for local law enforcement on the border.

H.R. 5875 was the House’s second attempt at getting border security funding passed. A previous supplemental appropriations bill had been approved by the House in July, but was later stripped from the bill by the Senate. Last week, he sent a letter, along with Congressman Harry Teague (NM-02) and Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (AZ-08), to House leadership urging them to find ways to reinstate this funding, which ultimately led to H.R. 5875.

Congressman Rodriguez represents the 23rd Congressional District, which includes 20 counties and 785 miles of border with Mexico. He has worked to boost funding for Operation Stonegarden and is Vice-Chair of the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee.

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Rodriguez leads fight to bring border security funding back for a vote

Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez (TX-23) fought to restore critical funding for border security by voting for H.R. 5875 late Wednesday on the House floor. Congressman Rodriguez is a co-sponsor of the bill, which was introduced late Tuesday, a day after Congressman Rodriguez sent a letter to House leadership on the matter.

H.R. 5875 provides an estimated $700 million in funding for 1, 200 border patrol agents, 500 additional officers at our ports of entry, and an addition $50 million for local law enforcement on the border.

“I represent more border with Mexico than any other Member of Congress, so border security is clearly one of my top priorities,” said Congressman Rodriguez. “I was disappointed to see that the Senate chose to remove this crucial border funding from their version of the Supplemental appropriations bill, but this vote give us the chance to right that wrong and provide for security needs along our borders.”

The funding was previously approved by the House, but then was stripped from the bill by the Senate. Congressman Rodriguez, Vice-Chair of the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, has since fought to get the funding reinstated by urging House leaders to find ways to restore the funding.

On Monday, Congressman Rodriguez sent a letter, along with Congressman Harry Teague (NM-02) and Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (AZ-08), to House leadership on Monday urging them to find ways to reinstate this funding.

Wednesday’s bill includes:

- 1,200 new Border Patrol agents, to ensure we sustain current levels on the Southwest border and build up capacity needed for when the National Guard is withdrawn next year.

- An additional 500 CBP Officers for the Southwest Border.  This is critical for enforcement against smuggling, and to maintain smooth operations at our ports, where trade volumes are increasing in Arizona, Texas and California.

- Integrity programs to combat intense efforts by the cartels to compromise and corrupt law enforcement officers on whom our border security and law enforcement efforts depend.

- Three new forward operating bases and better tactical communications, enabling the Border Patrol to close enforcement gaps that can be exploited by cartels and smugglers.

- Four new Border Enforcement Security Task Forces on the border to build up a permanent ICE presence in joint counterdrug efforts in the region, as well as surge operations of the ICE Criminal Alien Program and related criminal alien removal efforts.

- $50 million for the Stonegarden grant program to expand support for State and local law joint law enforcement efforts on the border.

- Two additional Predator unmanned aircraft systems to ensure better coverage of the Southwest Border, in particular to support the increased emphasis on the Texas border.

Within the Department of Justice, the bill provides funds for a comprehensive strategy that will:

o       Surge DEA agents, ATF agents, Deputy Marshals, FBI agents and US Attorneys to high crime areas in the Southwest Border region, and provide related detention and incarceration support;

o       Provide assistance to Mexican law enforcement authorities through ballistic analysis, DNA analysis, information sharing and technical assistance; and

o       Add attorneys, immigration judges and detention and incarceration support to handle criminal aliens referred by the Department of Homeland Security.

Congressman Rodriguez represents the 23rd Congressional District, which includes 20 counties and 785 miles of border with Mexico. He has, in previous years, worked to boost funding for Operation Stonegarden and is Vice-Chair of the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee.

 

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Rodriguez applauds VA change to support PTSD victims

Washington, DC – Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez (TX-23) hailed the Veterans Affairs rule change announced Monday that will make it easier for veterans, including those who may have been denied benefits in the past, to receive care and benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

“I applaud the announcement this week by Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki that will pave the way for greater support for our veterans,” said Congressman Rodriguez, who serves on the Veterans Affairs Committee. “This is great news for the many veterans who have met obstacles in getting treatment for PTSD. I have a substantial number of veterans in my district and this new rule will provide them with greater flexibility in getting assistance with their claims."

Previously, veterans had to undergo lengthy investigations in order to apply for disability benefits for PTSD.  The VA required extensive documentation of the specific cause of the disorder in addition to a doctor’s diagnosis, and ultimately denied benefits to thousands of veterans who were unable to document their experiences.  The new reforms will simplify the process, requiring a VA doctor’s diagnosis for veterans who served in a combat zone. 

“Nearly one in five veterans suffer from PTSD or major depression, and many Texas veterans have suffered without the care they need and have earned,” Congressman Rodriguez said. “We must do a better job of addressing the mental health problems that stem from serving in combat and this change will begin that process by support our brave veterans as they transition back into civilian life with their families.”

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Rodriguez announces House passage of H.R. 4438, the San Antonio Missions bill

Washington, DC – Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez (TX-23) announced the passage of H.R. 4438, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Boundary Expansion Act of 2010, on the House floor Tuesday evening.

The bill expands and preserves the historical Missions of San Antonio, and authorizes a study of lands to be included within the Park’s boundary. The bill is co-sponsored by the other Members of the Bexar County Congressional delegation, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez and Congressman Lamar Smith.

“This is wonderful news for the City of San Antonio and our historic Missions,” said Congressman Rodriguez. “These rich lands are among the most culturally significant centerpieces of our community and need to be preserved and hopefully expanded. Together with the many partners in our community, we will restore the river and the surrounding Missions neighborhoods, while supporting future growth and development.”

The bill must now to go the Senate, where Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has introduced S.3524.

“San Antonio’s missions are an integral part of our Texas history and culture. It is important to protect these historic state treasures for future generations of Texans.  I will work to pass this historic preservation legislation in the Senate,” said Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX).

Susan Chandoha, Executive Director of Los Compadres de San Antonio Missions, said the vote is a very welcome step for the park.

“We are thrilled that the Missions’ park bill passed the House and thank Congressman Rodriguez and the Bexar Congressional delegation for their co-sponsorship and support,” Chandoha said. “This bill is extremely important to the preservation and interpretation of numerous Spanish Colonial resources in Bexar and Wilson Counties.”

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Rodriguez speaks on Cyber Defense Competition

Watch Rep. Rodriguez speak on the House Floor about the National Collegiate Cyber Defense ...

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Audio from Veterans' Teletown Hall Meeting

On May 19, Congressman Rodriguez hosted a teletown hall on Veterans Issues. He invited representatives from the VA and the Disabled American Veterans. Constituents were invited to listen in and ask questions. To hear the full audio of the teletown hall, click ...

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Budget Priorities for the 23rd Congressional Distr

Click here to watch Congressman Rodriguez's Budget Committee Testimony...

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Increase of the Minimum Wage Video - Spanish

Click here to watch Congressman Rodriguez speak on the first increase of the Minimum Wage in 10 years in Spanish....

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Increase of the Minimum Wage Video - English

Click here to watch Congressman Rodriguez speak on the first increase of the Minimum Wage in 10 years in English...

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Rep. Rodriguez Speaks on the Issue of Border Security

Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez leads the fight Tuesday to protect our nation’s borders by co-sponsoring and supporting H.R. 6080, a border security funding bill. See him speak on the House floor in support of the bill.

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