Washington, DC, Oct 26, 2006 -

U.S. Congressman John Carter (TX-31) today applauded President Bush for signing into law the Secure Fence Act. This Act allows for the construction of a 700 mile fence along the U.S.-Mexico border. Additionally, the bill would mandate operational control of all borders and ports through enhanced Border Patrol operations, physical barriers, and state-of-the-art technology along the southwest border, including reinforced fencing.

“I applaud President Bush for signing this bill which is critical to keeping our nation and borders secure,” Congressman Carter said. “I have been a strong supporter of measures to immediately protect our borders, and the Secure Fence Act will go a long way toward improving our nation’s homeland security.”

Significant border security bills passed by the House and signed into law over the past several weeks include:

--The Secure Fence Act, which authorizes the construction of 700 miles of reinforced fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border, among other border security priorities.

--The Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report, which provides $34.8 billion for our most critical homeland security needs, including: border and immigration security; nuclear detection; port, cargo, and container security; transportation security; natural disaster preparedness and response; and support to state and local first responders.

--The Border Tunnel Prevention Act, which makes it a crime to knowingly construct, finance, or allow the construction of an unauthorized tunnel across a U.S. international border. Individuals caught using such a tunnel to smuggle aliens, contraband, drugs, weapons, or terrorists face penalties of more than 20 years in jail.

Congressman Carter, a member of the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, has toured the Texas-Mexico border three times in the past year to examine operations along the border. The Homeland Security Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security, including the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency.