What I'm Working On
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Border Security
The status quo is not an option if we want an immigration system that protects American workers, strengthens America's competitiveness, and ensures the security of our ports, borders and all points in between. Continuing to maintain operational control of our ports of entry and targeting the human trafficking, illicit trade of weapons, drugs and money remains a priority. This is why I supported recent bipartisan legislation, which provides such funding without adding to our debt. The Emergency Border Security Supplemental Appropriations Act (HR.6080/S.3721) will provide targeted funding to hire 1,500 additional Customs and Border Protection agents and supply additional technology and resources to improve interagency response to fight crime at our borders.
While this bill will help ensure we are targeting adequate resources to fight crime at our borders and ports of entry, we still need comprehensive immigration reform that will address the overarching problems of our immigration system. I will continue to work with members of both parties to build support for a comprehensive approach to restore order to our immigration system. -
Save Our Small Businesses Act
I sponsored the Save Our Small Businesses Act to help employers find temporary workers for low-skill, non-agricultural jobs when they are unable to find these workers at home. In my view, no visa program should adversely affect American workers and every opportunity should be given to make sure these jobs are filled by domestic workers first. Still, I understand that our ski industry, tourism-based and other important businesses rely on this program to fill a niche market of seasonal workers. By keeping Coloradans at work and, when necessary, supplementing our capable workforce, we can work together to strengthen our local economies.
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Funding Border Security
I voted to support the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010 (P.L.111-83), which included important funding for tactical border security fencing, critical infrastructure, and technology. This legislation also included vital funding for enforcement of immigration and customs laws, detention and removals and investigations, as a part of the overall funding for the department.
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Southwest Border Violence Reduction Act (S.205)
I co-sponsored this bipartisan bill, which provides important resources to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to effectively enforce existing laws and combat the illegal trafficking of firearms on the U.S.-Mexico border.
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E-Verify
On March 10, 2009, I voted to reauthorize the E-Verify program as part of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill (P.L. 111-8). This program will help cut down on unauthorized employees working for U.S. companies. Later the same year, on July 9, 2009, I also voted to support the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010 (H.R. 2892), which included the reauthorization of the E-Verify program for an additional three years. I understand this program is not without its flaws, and will continue working to make necessary improvements that protect American workers and help employers comply with the law.