Speech #1090135617

I rise to add my support to this very important amendment offered by my good friend and colleague from Nevada. Senator ENSIGN. Last Monday evening. a week ago. the President addressed this Nation. forcefully and articulately making the case that one of the necessary steps in undertaking comprehensive immigration reform is to secure our national borders. particularly along our Southwestern States. Following the Presidents speech by little more than a day. the Armed Services Committee held a hearing during which we closely questioned senior members of the Department of Defense. Joint Chiefs of Staff. the Chief of the Border Patrol. and the Chief of National Guard Bureau on the Presidents plan. I strongly support the Presidents plan. and. on the basis of our hearing and subsequent discussions. I strongly believe that the National Guard is capable of providing this temporary support to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection without degrading either its readiness for combat or its ability to respond to domestic emergencies. I also believe that this amendment is important to show that the Congress is behind this effort to secure our borders as part of comprehensive immigration reform. and that we will provide the resources and legislation to do so. This amendment provides specific authority for deployment of the National Guard. and does so in a way that is careful to authorize both the types of activities. the duration of the training rotations. a limit on the authority to use the Guard for direct participation in law enforcement consistent with the Presidents intent. and a sunset date for the authority. I commend my colleague from Nevada. who serves with me on the Armed Services Committee. for this important amendment that puts the full force of Congress behind the Presidents initiative to secure our borders and support our Border Patrol with the National Guard.