JONES from North Carolina. We have had a common discussion on those very important issues. Let me applaud you for bringing this resolution to the floor of the House which gives us an opportunity to affirm our commitment and appreciation for the Border Patrol agents that serve Americas front lines. Let me share with you the good work. impressive work that our Border Patrol agents have been involved in. First of all. they have patrolled our borders since 1924. They are. in fact. the Nations front liners. For example. in fiscal year 2005. Border Patrol agents made almost 1.2 million arrests of people for illegally entering the country. They seized more than 12.300 pounds of cocaine. more than 1.2 million pounds of marijuana. The total street value of drugs interdicted in fiscal year 2005 was more than $1.4 billion. We are long overdue in affirming and applauding the Border Patrol agents of America. both on the northern and southern border. The Border Patrol also is charged with the responsibility of preventing terrorists and terrorists weapons. including weapons of mass destruction. from entering the United States. They are there day in and day out. They are there Sunday through Sunday. 7 days a week. year in and year out. holidays and nonholidays. The Border Patrol agents are there when we are asleep. and they are there when we are awake. But of course in terms of responding to the concerns that they have. I would be remiss if I did not mention that we have legislation. H.R. 4044. to provide more equipment. 15.000 Border Patrol agents over the next 5 years. increasing the number of agents from 11.000 to 26.000. With more than 8.000 miles of land and coastal borders to patrol continuously. it is evident that an increase is needed. but more importantly resources are needed and professionalism is needed. Mr.
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Border Patrol