Senator MURRAY and others in conference to prevent the premature shutdown of this important asset. Mr. President. we must take steps to secure the border. though I opposed Senator SESSIONS amendment to appropriate additional funds to construct fencing along the southwest border because it would have raided discretionary funds used to hire more border patrol agents. buy more detention beds. train first responders. and fund other pressing needs. Although I support some limited fence construction. I do not believe we should be undermining critical homeland security programs to finance them. I remain committed to passing balanced immigration legislation that protects the border and allows immigrants to earn citizenship. and I hope that the Congress can reach an agreement to accomplish that in the upcoming weeks. Finally. I am pleased my amendment to repeal the Transportation Security Administrations exemption from Federal contracting laws was accepted.
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