The bill continues to bolster our control over the southwest border. increases funding to fight illegal drugs and crime. funds crime prevention programs. and begins to address the serious issue of U.S. arrears to international organizations. Controlling our southwestern border is of paramount importance to this Nation. my State of California. and particularly Los Angeles County. H.R. 2267 provides $125 million for 1.000 new Border Patrol agents. continuing the expansion of a force that has increased by 85 percent between fiscal year 1993 through fiscal year 1997. I applaud the 20percent increase over fiscal year 1997 funding of State criminal alien assistancefrom $500 million to $600 millionto reimburse States and localities for the cost of incarcerating illegal aliens who commit criminal offenses. These costs impose an enormous burden on States and localities as a result of the Federal Governments inability to control the border. Control of the border is crucial also to our fight to stem the tide of illegal drugs coming into the United States.
Keywords matched
illegal aliens Border Patrol