Lou Dobbs
CNN
June 10, 2008
DOBBS: New efforts in Washington to ensure the border fence mandated by the Secure Fence Act is actually built. Congressman Pete King, Congressman Walter Jones want the president and the Democratic leadership to fun the fence. They join us from Capitol Hill. Welcome to both of you.
REP. PETE KING, (R) NY: Thank you, Lou.
REP. WALTER JONES, (R) NC: Thank you, Lou.
DOBBS: Let me begin, Congressman Jones, what -- why is it that the Democratic leadership isn't moving this legislation forward? You have 46 sponsors?
JONES: Lou, we do, and we're hoping today, as you know, we had the grassfire.com brought 260,000 signators. We did a press conference that you covered today, and certainly Pete King was there as well. I do not understand the democrats -- let me make it clear -- I don't understand President Bush quite frankly. He could use an executive order and order that this fence be fixed. So my frustration is like that of the American people. Do something for the American people to protect our borders.
DOBBS: Congressman Ling?
KING: Lou I agree fully with Walter and the fact is that this fence was mandated two years ago when the law was signed by the president. There's no reason the department has gone slow on it. And now the Democrats have totally slowed it down. Last year in the final appropriations bill, language was put in literally in the middle of the night which has slowed this down. And the Democratic leadership, and you had members of the Democratic Party on, do not want this fence built, that's the bottom line.
DOBBS: Well ... KING: There is blame on both sides. But with the Democrats in charge they're doing everything they can to slow this down.
DOBBS: We, of course, contacted Homeland Security Committee chairman, Benny Thompson's office, Congresswoman Sanchez, we are asking why that bill was not moving forward. Both declined to give is a statement. Have they given you any reason why they're not doing anything with this?
JONES: Pete - excuse me, go ahead.
KING: I'm the ranking member on the committee. Basically they don't feel this is a major issue. They're trying to slow it down. Chairman Thompson is a friend of mine. But he was on your show several months ago and he made it clear that there are no rush at all to advance this. In fact, they're suing ...
DOBBS: I was going to say, the chairman of committee is suing to keep -- from constructing -- I mean this is the most amazing thing.
JONES: Lou, I will tell you, truthfully, I think the American people are going to understand one day that the Congress is out of touch with the American people when it comes to securing our borders and they are going to let their voices be heard.
DOBBS: Congressman, I have to tell you, I believe they -- I think they already know that.
JONES: I do, too.
DOBBS: Here what may not be generally known. With this Congress, with fewer than ten weeks remaining to do the work of the people over the past 17 months the 110th Congress not a single bill addressing the issue of border security or illegal immigration has been passed by this Congress. What is the conclusion that we should all reach about that?
KING: Well, Lou, there's really an unholy alliance. The Democratic Party are pandering to special interests, don't want to offend certain elements of the society. And Republicans are pandering to business who like cheap labor. It's an unholy alliance of Republicans and Democrats coming together to stop progress being made on this wall.
JONES: Lou, that's exactly the issue. And I want to thank you for keeping the American people informed about what we're not doing in Washington, DC, to secure the borders of this country.
DOBBS: Congressman, thank you very much. Congressman Jones. We appreciate it. Congressman King, thank you, sir.
KING: Thank you, Lou.
JONES: Thank you, Lou.
