Speech #1090171132

Mr. Speaker. as we debate the issue of border security here. as we talk about an issue that is so vitally important to the American people. I am disappointed that we cant seem to work together on this particular issue. I have been in Congress for 10 years. I have been advocating that we hire 1.000 to 1.500 Border Patrol agents a year along with the resources necessary to support them. Yet we get this proposal for a fence. This is the best we can do? This is the best you can do to assure the American people that we are going to focus on border security? It falls woefully short. and I say that with all due respect because I spent 261/2 years on Americas border. When I retired. I had been the chief for a little over 12 years in charge of McAllen sector and El Paso sector. I am the one who instituted Operation Hold the Line that shifted border enforcement away from apprehension and towards deterrence. I have. I think. the kind of experience that we ought to be able to count on on both sides of the aisle. I have tried to work with many Members on the other side of the aisle and have always. as I put forth my ideas on the issue of border security for the last 10 years. have always been told. well. it is not the right time. Its too expensive. it is not the right strategy to pursue at this time. I really felt after 9/11 we would have a new focus on border security. Today. 5 years later. the American people are focused like a laser on the fact that our borders are vulnerable. I would say to my distinguished colleague. Chairman ROYCE. I was at the hearing in Laredo with you. as I have been at numerous hearings the last 2 months. hearings where the message has come across loud and clear from members of Customs and Border Protection. What they need: They need manpower. they need technology and they need infrastructure. In Naco. Arizona. we have 1.200 to 1.300 Border Patrol agents housed out of a station that was designed for 25 people. LI 1015 That is infrastructure that we need. How can we expect them to be professionals if we dont treat them like professionals. if we dont invest in the infrastructure that is so desperately needed?