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Sununu Votes To Increase U.S. Border Security Funding

Press Release

Date: July 25, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Immigration

SUNUNU VOTES TO INCREASE U.S. BORDER SECURITY FUNDING

United States Senator John Sununu (R-NH) today (7/26) continued his fight to strengthen the nation's borders against illegal immigrants by supporting $3 billion in emergency funding for this effort. The resources are contained in an amendment to homeland security appropriations legislation, which passed by a vote of 89 - 1.

"Border security remains a top priority for residents in New Hampshire and across the nation. While I am disappointed that the Senate did not approve the initial border security amendment, the revised measure that we passed will help secure our nation's borders and reduce a steady tide of illegal immigration," said Sununu, an original co-sponsor of the initiative. "The $3 billion in this measure will further protect the homeland from terrorists and criminals and represents a critical investment in our nation."

On Wednesday, July 25, Sununu announced his support for the "The Border Security First Act of 2007" - an amendment to the homeland security appropriations legislation that would reform border security policies and fund new border security initiatives. That measure was pulled from consideration, and a revised amendment containing funding for border security was reintroduced by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Mark Pryor (D-AR).

Among other measures, the revised amendment provides funding for:

• An additional 23,000 Border Patrol agents hired, trained, and reporting for duty;

• 300 miles of vehicle barriers & 700 miles of border fencing;

• 4 unmanned Aerial Vehicles & 105 ground-based radar and camera towers; and

• A permanent end to the "catch-and-release" policy with 45,000 detention beds.


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