In addition. over the last several years I have secured millions of dollars of funding for fencing and vehicle barriers specifically for New Mexico. However. we need to be smart about security. Walls may make good sound bites in political ads. but the reality is that the individuals charged with securing our borders have consistently stated that they are only part of the solution and that there are better and more costeffective ways to provide for border security. As Ralph Basham. the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. stated earlier this year in a response to a question about the proposal to build 700 miles of doublelayered fencing: "It doesnt make sense. its not practical." He went on to say that what we need is an appropriate mix of technology. infrastructure. and personnel. Secretary Chertoff has voiced similar concerns. and has consistently maintained that securing our borders will require a much more comprehensive approach than simply building fences. Unfortunately. the bill. as currently drafted. does not provide the Department of Homeland Security with the discretion they need to determine the most appropriate means to secure the border.
Keywords matched
Border Protection border security