Chairman. I rise in support of the FY08 Homeland Security Appropriations bill--the Houses first allencompassing look at the security of our Nation. But I strongly oppose the proposition that a border wall will protect this Nation. and I ask my colleagues to consider what a wall along the Southwest border will do. During this debate my friends in the minority have said they are focused on the funding levels of this bill . . . saying they are too high and wasteful. Heres what is wastetul: according to Customs and Border Protection. every mile of a wall will cost at least $3 million dollars to construct. That doesnt include any funding needed to buy private lands or mainfain the fence. In this 21st Century. we have the technology to adequately protect our borders through a virtual fence without dividing communities. adversely impacting our economy. giving up water rights. denying private property rights for landowners on the border. or changing intemnational boundaries without benefit of international treaties.
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Border Protection border wall