Speech #1090136431

Speaker. Democrats unveiled their national security agenda recently with much fanfare. High on their agenda was improving border security. So how can Democrats improve border security? Here are some suggestions. First. you get a border security bill that addresses the hiring of illegal immigrants and gaining control of our borders. Second. you can have a bill that completes the mission of the 9/11 Commission recommendations by implementing commonsense reforms in order to better protect our homeland. Now. I am sure many on this side of the aisle are asking. didnt we pass legislation like this? Why. yes we did. Back in December 2005. we passed the Border Protection AntiTerrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act. which combats the hiring of illegal workers and increases penalties for alien smuggling. We also passed the Real ID. which requires drivers license applicants to provide proof they are in the country legally and closed asylum loopholes that the 9/11 Commission found had been abused by a number of terrorists. Mr. Speaker. I guess the Democrats left improving border security on their list because they didnt vote for either bill. But I say they should check it off. House Republicans have already accomplished it.