Speech #1010139746

Mr. Speaker. today. I am introducing legislation to authorize additional appropriations to increase Border Patrol personnel to 6.600 by the end of fiscal year 1992. Joining me as a cosponsor is my colleague and fellow Californian. BILL LOWERY of Californias 41st District. At a time of record drug seizures and unrest and upheaval in Central America. increasing the strength of the patrol to this level is eminently sensible. At the end of 1989. 88 percent of the total increase authorized by my amendment to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 [IRCA] was in effect. The lack of appropriations. a budget freeze. reprogramming. inflation. and other uncontrollable factors have all been roadblocks to achieving full funding under my amendment. Current budget proposals do not reflect a significant Increase in Border Patrol agents. Over the last 10 months apprehension of illegal aliens has been up by 29.9 percent. and. despite an increase In appropriations to expand Border Patrol personnel by 50 percent over 1986 levels. much of the expenditure has yet to be directed to an increase In enforcement activities focusing on illegal immigration. Of the $9 million earmarked for 200 additional Border Patrol positions in the fiscal year 1990 CommerceJusticeState appropriations bill. most of the funding has been used to finance pay increases and moving expenses for personnel already on board. My bill would authorize additional appropriations to increase Border Patrol personnel to 6.600 by the end of fiscal year 1992. Should it become necessary. the bill makes available amounts In the Justice Department forfeiture fund for the additional positions. I am disturbed by the fact that since the INS hiring freeze went into effect and particularly in the past few months. the number of apprehensions has increased. showing an upward trend and leading us to believe that the number of illegals crossing the border Is once again on the rise. Public perception is important on both sides of the border. and the awareness aroused by reports that Border Patrol strength is currently declining along with current attempts by Congress to grant additional amnesty requests is sending the wrong message to foreigners wishing to enter our country illegally. A March 29. 1990. GAO report alleging discriminatory practices in employer sanctions could result in Congress repealing these IRCA provisions within 30 days. With that possibility. it is wise and prudent to increase the strength of our Border Patrol. The Southwest border has been designated as one of the areas to receive special attention from the Presidents national drug control strategy. This makes additional funding even more necessary.