Speech #1100080647

It will be an amendment I will also offer later on that builds upon the good work of Mr. BINGAMAN. the Senator from New Mexico. that was unanimously approved by the Senate earlier this week. My amendment will actually double the amount Congress can provide for the Border Relief Grant Program that will help local law enforcement in towns and cities along our borders cover some of the costs they incur serving as the backup to Federal officials when it comes to combating illegal immigration and fighting drug traffickers and other borderrelated crimes. The Senate unanimously approved this same amendment during debate on the immigration bill we considered earlier this year. It is also included in the comprehensive border security package Senator GRAHAM has offered and is currently pending. and. of course. of which I am a cosponsor. It is the obligation of the Federal Government to adequately secure the Nations borders and prevent the flow of undocumented persons and illegal drugs Into the United States. For far too long. local law enforcement officersI am talking about sheriffs. I am talking about police chiefs. and othersas well as local taxpayers. have borne the burden of law enforcement. given the failure of the Federal Government to adequately fund the Border Patrol and to demonstrate its willingness to secure the border. So now It is time not only to add to the Federal law enforcement officialsby Increasing the number of Border Patrolbut It is time for the Federal Government to own up to its respon53. Pt. 15 July 25. 2007 sibilities and fund local law enforcement through this grant program to the extent they are willing and able to support the Federal Governments efforts to secure the border. This Border Relief Grant Program will give the men and women in law enforcement. who are on the frontline of securing Americas border. the necessary support to do their jobs and ensure that local taxpayers do not have to foot the bill.