OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Congressman Aderholt: Secure Borders Priority #1

Date: Sept. 14, 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: National Security Immigration


CONGRESSMAN ADERHOLT: SECURE BORDERS PRIORITY #1

Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) today voted in favor of a House measure that will take steps necessary to closing the United States' southern border to illegal immigrants. H.R. 6061, the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which passed the House this afternoon 283 to 138, will harden our nation's borders to guard against the threat of terrorism and stem the flow of illegal immigration.

"Following a number of field hearings and site visits over the summer to get a first-hand look at our current border security situation by the House, it was clear that additional, immediate measures were necessary to deal with the threat to our southern border," said Congressman Aderholt. "This emergency measure will enhance Border Patrol operations by mandating physical barriers and state-of-the-art technology along the southwest border, including reinforced fencing."

The Secure Fence Act of 2006 will harden our nation's borders to guard against the threat of terrorism and stem the flow of illegal immigration by:

• Providing for over 700 miles of two-layered reinforced fencing along the southwest border with prioritized placement at critical, highly populated areas and requiring an evaluation of infrastructure needs along the northern border;

• Mandating that within 18 months DHS achieve and maintain operational control over the land and maritime borders through a "virtual fence" that deploys cameras, ground sensors, and, integrated surveillance technology;

• Requiring DHS to 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.

Congressman Aderholt continued, "The safety and security of our nation must continue to be our number one priority. That is why we must work to stop the flow of illegal immigrants and the threat of terrorist infiltration across our borders."

http://www.house.gov/list/press/al04_aderholt/91406SecureFenceAct.html

arrow_upward