Border Security, First and Foremost
As the current legislative session winds down, stronger border security continues to be a key priority for House Republicans. Our border cannot be a gateway; it must be a checkpoint so only those legally allowed to enter our country can do so. Congress has focused a tremendous amount of resources on border security in recent years. There are now thousands more border patrol agents on duty and they are being supported by members of our National Guard. There is also widespread use of high-tech surveillance, which is moving us closer to our goal of scanning or manning every inch of the border.
While progress is being made, we can’t let up. In September, the House passed a number of bills to continue taking control of the border. We approved the Border Tunnel Prevention Act, which I was proud to sponsor. Since September 11, 2001, 38 tunnels have been found coming under our northern and southern borders into our country, many along the California-Mexico border. These tunnels funnel drugs, weapons and criminals – potentially terrorists – into the U.S. While this represents a clear and present danger to our state and our country, incredibly, it was not a crime to build a tunnel or have one on your property.
My bill enacts tough penalties of prison terms up to 20 years for constructing or financing an unauthorized tunnel. For anyone who allows others to build or use a tunnel on their land, they will be sent to jail for up to 10 years.
Also in September, the House passed the Secure Fence Act, which mirrors an amendment I authored last December. The bill authorizes border fences at five specific border zones where deaths are common, drug smuggling is rampant and illegal border crossings are numerous. We also passed the Community Protection Act, which makes it easier to deport illegal immigrants, especially criminals, such as gang members.
With the Immigration Law Enforcement Act, we are making sure anyone caught trying to cross the border is sent home or sent to jail. The bill also improves cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials so they can enforce the laws on the books.
Finally, Congress sent to the President's desk a Homeland Security Appropriations bill that contained $21.3 billion for border security and immigration enforcement efforts, including $1.2 billion for border fencing, vehicle barriers, technology and infrastructure, and $4.2 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
There are signs our full court press on the border is working. Along some parts of the border, there were fewer apprehensions this summer than last summer. The message is getting out: the border is becoming more secure every day, and Congress won’t stop until the job is done.
