Speech #1100059073

We have already waited 4 years from those recommendations. We have waited almost 6 years since 9/11 to see this take place. This legislation strengthens border security. I hear a lot of talk about bo rder security and immigration. This bill provides emergency first responders with additional training and equipment. and improves aviation and port security. all important aspects of the 9/ 11 Commission recommendations. We talk about immigration reform. This bill makes border security the top priority by devoting substantial resources to secure our borders not only against potential terrorists. but also to help stop the growing flood of illegal immigrants entering our country each and every day. totaling more than 12 million at this time. In this bill. we invest in our Nations most pressing security needs by hiring 3.000 additional border security agents. Thats what we are talking about. we are going to secure the borders. We include $1 billion for fencing. I think that is as important to people on the other side of the aisle as it is to people on our side of the aisle. I dont know why theyre delaying this:. that $1 billion goes to fencing infrastructure and technology along the U.S.-Mexican border. We commit $2.1 billion to illegal immigrant detention and removal. We hear about this "catch and release" program as part of the immigration dlebate. This bill stakes a step in solving that problem. We are in the process of debating that.