Speech #1100083039

Let me say that again: It would also occur at a time when the aviation sector is at a heightened alert status. The Federal air marshals would reduce coverage of critical flights. The Coast Guard would be unable to respond to projected searchandrescue cases. thus endangering the lives of citizens and property. interdict a projected Increase in migrants. marijuana. and cocaine. and remediate anticipated oil and chemical spills. further degrading our natural resources. This cut would delay the recapitalization of the Coast Guards fleet. further exacerbating maritime and aviation operational gaps. The Presidents budget requestedand the committee supportsfunding for 3.000 new Border Patrol agents. Furthermore. this reduction would cut that increase in agents to 24. Additionally. the National Guard forces currently supporting Operation Jump Start on the southwest border assisting the Border Patrol will begin leaving the border this summer. Once again. the Border Patrol will be forced to move agents back from the border to perform administrative duties. Additionally. the committees bill includes funding to support a total of 4.000 new detention beds. bringing total detention beds to 31.500. Moreover. this reduction would cut that Increase by 32 beds. Are you listening? Given that the average length of stay in a given detention bed is approximately 40 days. losing 32 beds means we have lost the space to detain approximately 300 illegal aliens annually. Are you still listening? We have spent the past 2 months debating immigration reform and the need for detention beds. A cut like this turns that debate on its head. The Presidents budget requested and the committee bill supports funding of $1 billionthat is $1 for every minute since Jesus Christ was bornfor fencing infrastructure and technology along our still porous border. If we have learned nothing during the debate on the immigration bill. it is that the American people and a majority of the Senate want to secure our borders. Let me say that again: If we have learned nothing during the debate on the immigration bill. it is that the American people and a majority of the Senate want to secure our borders. A cut like this moves us in the exact opposite direction. First responders State formula grants would be cut below the fiscal year 2007 enacted level. ironically. the level approved under a Republicancontrolled Congress.