Speech #1100051818

So I think on its face the representation of that proposal may be that is what they can do in 18 months. but it is not what they need to do for operational control. The proposal I have is the numbers necessary to obtain operational control: 2.000 more border agents than called for in the bill. 2.700 more beds than called for in the bill. 35 more towers for virtual fencing than called for in the bill. and 100 miles more of vehicle fencing. It is not outrageous. not inconsistent. not inappropriate. and will actually strengthen this bill and make the American people believe we are doing something constructive in the area of border security. With that. I appreciate the courtesy of the Senator from Massachusetts in allowing us to reopen the debate and ask unanimous consent that further debate on this amendment be ended and that the Senator be allowed to make his motion. which he has a right to do anyway.