Speech #1100082750

That was one of the many things that was in that bill that was undone that needed doing. I believe today we do a great thing by moving this issue forward. We have a great threat of terrorism. the continued flow of illegal immigrants. We need to do all we can to secure our border. This amendment will provide an increase in resources to improve our security by building our physical presence and surveillance on the border Itself. It requires within 2 years of enactment that we secure operational control over the southern border between the United States and Mexico. and it allows the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs to hire and train and report for duty 23.000 fulltime agents. I believe this Is a step in the right direction. The United States. in addition to that. will deploy four unmanned aerial vehicles. These are essential for electronic surveillance in order to fully protect our southern border. In addition. the U.S. shall engage in the catch and return of illegal aliens. We know that a great many of those who are here illegally have simply overstayed their visas. This also permits interior enforcement in order to be able to be successful in implementing strong border and interior enforcement. Ninety days from enactment of this bill and every 90 days thereafter. the administration shall report to Congress on the progress.