A lowball estimate based on an estimate from the Department of Homeland Security says $9 million per mile. So it would cost almost $7 billion to build the 730mile fence. In contrast. with just $360 million. we could hire. train and equip the 2.000 Border Patrol agents that would make it operational and secure at the borders. the ones that we said we were going to hire in the 9/ 11 act. So today we are not discussing a comprehensive bill like the substitute drafted by my colleague. Mr. THOMPSON. the ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee. the one that gives technology. personnel. equipment to monitor and secure every mile of the border 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. Unfortunately. the Republican leadership would not allow an upordown vote on that amendment. I am a strong supporter of border security. and today. today I wish we were voting on a strong border security bill. I want to work with my colleague on the other side of the aisle. but I cannot support this bill. It will cost billions of dollars. take many years to implement. and it still wont solve our border security problem.
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border security Border Patrol