Immigration Reform Caucus

BILBRAY TO PELOSI:  “Border Security is About National Security”

September 28, 2007

washington d.c. — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called a plan to build fencing along parts of the Mexico border a “terrible idea” during her trip to the Rio Grande Valley.  Congressman Brian Bilbray (CA-50), Chairman of the Immigration Reform Caucus and a co-sponsor of the Secure Fence Act issued the following statement in response:

“In a post- 9/11 world, our borders represent a major vulnerability to our homeland security.  We have not only the right, but the responsibility to act now so that we can protect ourselves against all potential threats to our country.  Speaking as someone who grew up on the border, Speaker Pelosi clearly does not understand the link between border security and homeland security.”

The Secure Fence Act was passed to strengthen operational control of our southern border and ports utilizing additional physical barriers, fencing and increased use of state-of-the-art technology, including:

·        Authorizing more than 700 miles of two-layered reinforced fencing along the southwest border with prioritized placement at critical, highly populated areas;

·        Mandating the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) achieve and maintain operational control over the entire border by utilizing cameras, ground sensors, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and integrated surveillance technology;

·        Requiring DHS provide all necessary authority to border personnel to disable fleeing vehicles, similar to the authority held by the United States Coast Guard for maritime vessels; and

·        Requiring DHS assess vulnerabilities on the northern border.

 

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