Press Releases - Henry Brown Supports Secure Fence Act

Henry Brown Supports Secure Fence Act
Bill Addresses Immediate Need to Secure U.S. Borders

Washington, Sep 14 -

Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr. (R-SC) joined his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in passing H.R. 6061, Secure Fence Act, to strengthen border fencing and utilize state-of-the-art technology for border surveillance. The bill passed by a vote of 283 to 138.

"My constituents have made it clear to me that they consider this to be a top priority," Brown said. First District residents echoed the voices heard throughout the country as Congress held more than twenty border security field hearings in the month of August. "House Republicans are committed to taking the necessary action to secure our borders," he added.

As an emergency measure, H.R. 6061 would mandate operational control of all borders and ports through enhanced Border Patrol operations, physical barriers, and state-of-the-art technology along the southwest border. It will provide over 700 miles of two-layered reinforced fencing with prioritized placement at critical, highly populated areas. For the entire border, it mandates a "virtual fence" that deploys cameras, ground sensors, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and integrated surveillance technology.

The legislation will require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide all necessary authority to border personnel to disable fleeing vehicles, similar to the authority held by the United States Coast Guard for maritime vessels. It also requires DHS to assess vulnerabilities on the northern border.

http://brown.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=50097