Press Release/Statement

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, criticized the Democratic sponsored Omnibus spending bill today for a provision included in the legislation that eliminates the requirement for double-layered border fencing.  The proposed language significantly alters the Secure Fence Act by removing its mandate for double-layered fencing and related infrastructure.

“By eliminating the double fence requirement, the Democratic Congress is going to make it easier for drug and human smugglers to cross our Southern land border,” said Congressman Hunter. “This goes against the interests of any family that has been touched by illegal drugs or any American who has seen their job taken by an illegal alien.

“The success of the San Diego Border Fence demonstrates the overall effectiveness of the double-layered approach and the importance of extending this infrastructure across our Southern land border.  Vehicle barriers that are five feet high will do little, if anything, to stop illegal entry.      

“Pulling back from the double fence mandate is a prescription for failure that will only allow more smugglers, criminals and illegal aliens to enter the United States through our land border with Mexico.  If enacted, this legislation would represent a significant step backwards in the effort to secure our borders.”