Speech #930331632

President. we have an increasingly serious problem of drugs coming across the Canadian border into the United States. I think our problem is probably more serious than even in the Southwest. The practical effect of the realinement of priorities for northern border activities is that 60 immigration inspector and border patrol positions now assigned to the northern border will be assigned to the southwestern border to deter illegal entry and expand inspection capacity. In addition to the 60 positions currently being reassigned the Immigration and Naturalization Service expects that 30 additional positions will become vacant through retirement in the next several months. The Immigration and Naturalization Service estimate of $705.000 provides for restoring the aforesaid 90 positions along the northern border for the latter half of fiscal year 1975. This amendment does not provide for the cost of training new employees. nor does it include the cost of additional vehicles or equipment associated with new personnel. At the moment the supply of vehicles and equipment along the northern border is adequate to absorb additional personnel. Mr. President. this amendment merely maintains a status quo in inspection capabilities and prevention of illegal entry along our Nations northern border. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this amendment for additional funds for the border patrol.