Speech #1050025292

But reductions In stuffing are only one component of keeping the borders secure. The reduction would also delay acquisition of highenergy detection systems and eliminate funding for border passenger processing systems. These systems identify attempts to smuggle illegal chemicals. refrigerants. and illegal aliens across the border. The reduction would also delay funding for the automated targeting system. which Increases Customs capability to conduct intensive border inspection. This proposal would destroy the progress that we have made in building up the capability of the Border Patrol and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. These efforts really started with hearings on illegal Immigration that I held in 1994 when I served as chairman of the Appropriations Committee. The INS advises that this bill would require the reduction of 3385 million and would sevcrly Impact major enforcement programs such as detention and deportation. investigations. work site enforcement. and the apprehension of illegal aliens. This bill would stop dead in their tracks our efforts to build up the Border Patrol by 1.000 agents per year. We just reaffirmed this commitment in last years immigration bill. The Border Patrol and INS advise that if they have to operate at 2 percent below current levels during fiscal year 1998. they will have to eliminate at least 1.671 personnel that were added just this year. One of the real success stories in Federal law enforcement has been our Bureau of Prisons. We are putting away more criminals under lock and key and keeping them away from the public for longer periods.