Much of the border between the United States and Mexico is already
separated by the Rio Grande River, a clear natural obstacle between the
two countries. High traffic areas along our Southern border are further
separated by over 650 miles of pedestrian and vehicle fencing currently
on the border. Congress has provided the Department of Homeland Security with robust
funding since the Department's creation to sharply increase the number
of Border Patrol officers and surveillance tools, including aerial
drones along the border. As a result of these substantial investments by the American people,
the number of immigrants without authorization has steadily declined,
while the number of border apprehensions are near a 40-year low. The $1.6 billion funded by taxpayer dollars included in this
legislation for the President's border wall should be directed for
genuine needs, like expanding education opportunities for our children,
rebuilding our Nation's aging infrastructure. Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues, if given the opportunity, to amend
the legislation before this Chamber to remove the border wall funding. Otherwise, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me
in opposing the minibus appropriations bill.
Keywords matched
border wall Border Patrol immigrants