Landrieu Amendment Works To Secure U.S.-Mexico Border

Press Release

Landrieu Amendment Works To Secure U.S.-Mexico Border

The United States Senate voted 89-1 on an amendment, cosponsored by Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., to the Homeland Security Appropriations bill that would fortify the U.S.-Mexico border against the entry of illegal aliens.

"Securing our borders from illegal aliens is of paramount importance to protecting our homeland," Sen. Landrieu said. "We face many threats from abroad, and, for the safety of the American people, we must take the necessary steps to ensure our southern border is impermeable."

The amendment, authored by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., would appropriate $3 billion to:

* Hire 23,000 full-time border agents;

* Install 300 miles of vehicle barriers along the border;

* Build 700 miles of fencing;

* Deploy 105 ground-based radar and camera towers; and

* Deploy four unmanned vehicles along the U.S.-Mexico border.

On June 28, Sen. Landrieu voted against a cloture motion on S. 1639, the immigration bill, which failed 46-53. This procedural motion ended debate on the bill, signaling the Senate's opposition. During the immigration debate, Sen. Landrieu voted for numerous amendments to beef up border security.

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