WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today cast her vote for reforms of the U.S. intelligence system, including many of the recommendations by the bipartisan 9/11 Commission, despite her continuing concerns that immigration standards are not stringent enough. 

 

“We must close the gaps in our national security across America, in rural and urban areas, along our borders, and beyond our shores.  This bill clears the way so we can accomplish many of those objectives,” Emerson said. “I remain disappointed that we did not take the opportunity to reform our immigration policies, and I will work to see that this issue will become a top priority for the 109th Congress.  This bill does not contain needed improvements in our laws to keep drivers licences and identification cards from being issued to illegal immigrants.

 

The bill does include provisions to increase the number of border control agents and investigators by 12,000 individuals.

 

“We must fill the biggest chink in our armor, and that is our porous borders.  A terrorist who sneaks into the U.S. and obtains or counterfeits a drivers licence is a major threat to our homeland security.  We are going to need more legislation to specifically address border control and immigration issues, because this bill simply does not go far enough,” Emerson said.

 

The legislation proposes the creation of a National Intelligence Director and a new Counter- Terrorism Center.  The bill also increases funding and manpower for border security and other homeland security measures.

 

“In Southern Missouri, we are home to major interstate and highway transportation corridors, rail infrastructure, and the Mississippi River.  Vigilance is extremely important to homeland security, and I am committed to making sure we have the resources and the organization to best keep the Heartland, as well as our nation, safe from the threat of terror,” Emerson said.

 

 

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