Ellsworth Votes to Strengthen Border Security

Press Release

Ellsworth Votes to Strengthen Border Security

Rep. Brad Ellsworth today voted to strengthen border security measures as part of the 2008 Homeland Security funding measure. The bill passed the House this morning.

"The people of the 8th District are rightfully concerned about the security of our borders, both from an immigration and from a security standpoint," said Ellsworth. "For the past five years, Congress and the President have shortchanged border security. This Congress must do better."

The bill provides $8.8 billion for the Customs and Border Protection agency, an eight percent increase over funding levels in 2007. It provides for the hiring of an additional 3,000 border patrol agents; increasing the total number of agents to 17,800 by the end of 2008. The bill also requires the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to obtain information from correctional facilities to identify incarcerated aliens who may be subject to deportation, and specifies that every deportable alien should be identified and deported immediately upon their release.

"This bill makes significant investments in securing our borders to stem the tide of illegal immigrants and provides a vital layer of protection against terrorists and other criminal activity," said Ellsworth. "I am proud to support it."

During consideration of the bill, Ellsworth supported Republican amendments to reduce administrative costs at the Department of Homeland Security. The fiscally responsible amendments were adopted and included in the final bill, saving the taxpayers over $1.3 million.

"The people expect us to be wise stewards of their tax dollars. This was an area where we could tighten our belts without risking the security of our communities," said Ellsworth. "These were good amendments, and I was glad to join with Republicans and Democrats alike in supporting them."

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