Speech #1140059141

This bill will help them better secure our Nations borders. as it will give our agents and officers the tools and information needed to better do their jobs. Previous analyses of the northern border have largely focused on drug trafficking and lack a holistic security approach to the issues that are unique along the northern border. The analysis required in this bill will provide Customs and Border Protection with the foundation needed to address all threats at and between ports of entry along the northern border. It will also provide Congress with the information necessary to conduct proper oversight. In my 10 months in office. I have worked vigorously to address known challenges that the Department of Homeland Security faces. Since January. I. along with both my Republican and Democratic colleagues. have introduced seven pieces of legislation that address transportation and border security issues and hope that this will be the third bipartisan bill that we send to the Presidents desk. This final product embodies the essence of bipartisanship. and I am proud to say that all Americans will benefit from the work my colleagues and I have done to secure our northern border. My colleagues and I understand we have a lot more work to do. and I promise we will continue to provide diligent oversight of the Department of Homeland Security.