The conference committee accepted language in the Senate bill will add to the list of priorities those school volunteer programs which utilize parents in the classroom. Finally. I also would like to point out that the original Senatepassed version of S. 1430 contained specific language I authored to recognize public safety services with the U.S. border patrol as an authorized type of national service activity. Although the conferees have decided that specific references to authorized activities are unnecessary. it is my understanding that the conference agreement would not preclude public safety services such as volunteer service in the U.S. border patrol. As I stated at the time of the Senates first consideration of S. 1430. the border patrol has the critical task of intercepting undocumented aliens and stemming the illegal flow of drugs across our borders. All too often. however. the border patrol is called into service for search and rescue. interpreter. and other important nonlawenforcement tasks. tasks which could be performed by volunteers. I also wish to indicate the proposed use of volunteers excludes the use of volunteers in law enforcement or other critical border patrol activities and should not allow authorities to displace or replace paid Federal border patrol personnel. Rather. its purpose is to enhance the effectiveness of border patrol personnel by allowing them to concentrate on their important law enforcement mission. Mr. President. every individual who volunteers to serve our country. whether in the schools. at youth shelters. in the armed services. at child care centers. in nursing homes. deserves our applause.
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undocumented border patrol