Because double fencing requires extra money for building allweather roads. the total estimate from the Department of Homeland Security is $6.6 billion. $9 million a mile. There are many other things that we could do with that kind of money. We could hire. train. and equip more Border Patrol agents. We could purchase more detention beds to end our unfortunate "catch and release" policy. We could place more portofentry inspectors and canine detection teams in the field. We could invest in new technologies for border protection. or in an interoperable communications system for the Nations first responders. But no. Congress would rather punt on the tough decisions and dodge the real debate. What a disgrace. I oppose this failure of the Senate to do its job and live up to its responsibility. I sincerely hope that this vote does not signify the beginning of the end of comprehensive immigration reform as I fear it does.
Keywords matched
border protection Border Patrol immigration