Speech #1060018691

I was gratified that the final version of the FY 1999 Omnibus bill reflected our request not to discriminate against the southwest border by imposing a deadline for installation of an entryexit system that could not realistically be met. Like other provisions of the FY 1999 Omnibus Appropriations bill. however. this compromise on Section 110 was a quick fix. not a lasting solution. The language in the bill setting a new deadline for implementation of an automated entryexit system was designed to prevent the Immigration and Naturalization Service from being in technical violation of the law by failing to carry out the mandate of Section 110 by the 1998 deadline. The extension of that deadline by 30 months provides Congress with the opportunity to more thoughtfully assess the longterm feasibility of an automated entryexit system for all ports of entry into the United States. The Border Improvement and Immigration Act of 1999 would indefinitely extend the deadline for implementation of Section 110 and require a detailed feasibility study to determine how and whether the requirement can ultimately be met. The legislation would also authorize substantial new resources for INS and Customs Service border enforcement activities. Specifically. it would authorize the expenditure of $588 million over the next two years to enhance border enforcement against illegal immigration and drug trafficking. as well as investigate corruption and moneylaundering along the border. add 1.200 new INS inspectors. canine enforcement officers. intelligence analysts. and investigators to bolster enforcement against illegal aliens and narcotics trafficking: and add 1.700 new Customs inspectors. special agents. intelligence analysts. and canine enforcement officers to man ports of entry and investigate criminal activity along the border. The legislation would also provide the hightechnology tools. including xray. ultrasonic. motiondetecting. remotewatch. and particledetector sensors. that will enable INS and Customs officials to more effectively interdict narcotics and illegal immigrants. Finally. it would enhance investigative resources for border enforcement and anticorruption efforts. intensify efforts against drug smuggling and moneylaundering organizations. allow for more rapid cargo processing. and reduce commercial and passenger traffic waiting times at ports of entry. As a founding member and CoChairman of the Senate Border Caucus. whose priorities include improving border enforcement and facilitating U.S. trade with Mexico. I believe this bill advances our national interest in better controlling our nations borders without unduly hindering flows of crossborder trade and travel. The Border Improvement and Immigration Act of 1999 deserves this Congress support.