The people of California overwhelmingly approved it. I believe one of the reasons they did was out of frustration. because the Federal Government has not responded to what is an increasing and growing problem. The bill before us today tackles illegal immigration at the border. mainly by adding strength to our Border Patrol and border facilities. In the past 3 years. the administration and the Congress. both Houses and both parties. have come together. recognizing the need and beginning to improve border infrastructure. such as lights and infraredseeing devices. and manpower. And the Border Patrol has. for 3 years in a row. had additions of about 700 agents a year. This legislation would add an additional 700 Border Patrol agents in the current fiscal year. and 1.000 more for the next 4 years. bringing the total number of agents to 4.700 by the year 1999. That is more than double the entire force that was in place when I came to the U.S. Senate 3 years ago.
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illegal immigration Border Patrol