Speech #1100051882

I rise today to speak to an amendment and resolve an issue impacting the citizens of our country that live along the U.S.-Mexican border. I have long stressed the need to secure the borders of the United Statesnot only our southwest border with Mexico but also our northern border with Canada and our maritime borders. coastlines. and ports of entry. I have consistently supported and voted in favor of border security efforts--such as the installation of reinforced fencing in strategic areas where high trafficking of narcotics. unlawful border crossings. and other criminal activity exists. I have also supported installing physical barriers. roads. lighting. cameras and sensors where necessary . The Secure Fence Act of 2006 was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President. and it signaled a major initiative to secure the border with Mexico and Canada. We must address border security so that we can move forward to address comprehensive immigration reform. I will continue to champion border security measures and strongly support the efforts of my colleagues to strengthen our southwest borderprotecting our citizens from threats nf terrorism. narcotic trafficking. and other unlawful entries. However. I am concerned that Congress is making decisions about the location of border fencing without the participation of State and local law enforcement officials working with the Department of Homeland Security. The location of fencing should not be dictated by Members of Congress who have never visited our border. Our border States have borne a heavy financial burden from illegal immigration. and their local officials are on the front lines. Their knowledge and experience should not be ignored. Texas shares approximately onehalf of the land border between the United States of America and the Republic of Mexico.