Rep. Quayle Introduces Border Bill

Press Release

Congressman Ben Quayle (R-AZ) on Friday introduced legislation that will allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents to have unrestricted access to federal lands in the southwestern borderlands region. The bill is being co-sponsored by the Homeland SecurityChairman Peter King (R-NY), Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee Chairman Candice Miller (R-MI), and the entire House Republican Arizona Delegation, which includes Reps. Jeff Flake, Trent Franks, David Schweikert and Paul Gosar.

From Congressman Quayle(R-AZ), vice-chairman of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime:

"President Obama on Monday argued that his Administration is making huge strides to secure our Southern border. While we have seen some limited progress over the past few years, Arizonans--especially those living along the border--know that the border is far from secure. As we continue to push forward broader measures to secure our borders, we must immediately remove the bureaucratic barriers that hinder border enforcement. This bill provides common-sense reforms that make it easier for our border agents to do their jobs."

From Rep. Peter King (R-NY), chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security

"How can anyone take seriously the Obama Administration's claim that it is intent on securing our borders when the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service hinder the Border Patrol's access to some 40 percent of the Southwest Border? We cannot possibly succeed in securing our borders against illegal immigrants, including potential terrorists, unless our front-line Border Patrol agents can do their jobs anywhere along the border. This legislation will make our borders more secure."

From Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI), chairman of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security:

"I applaud Rep. Quayle for offering this important piece of legislation. The U.S. Border Patrol should have unfettered access to every square inch of the Southwest border to detect, deter and interdict drug and human smugglers, and other illegal aliens"

From Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ):

"Given the vastness of federal land in Arizona, it's imperative that the Border Patrol have the ability to prevent illegal immigration from occurring there."

From Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ):

"Our Customs and Border Agents are on the front lines to protect us and preserve our security. The least we can do is ensure they are provided with every possible means for success, and this should include full and necessary access to our federal lands."

From Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ):

"I applaud Representative Quayle for introducing this important legislation. The Administration's failed border security policies are putting the people of Arizona at risk. This legislation removes the bureaucratic red tape that is preventing border patrol from doing their jobs on public lands throughout the state. My committees have examined this issue closely and found that illegal immigrants have done more damage to the environment than routine border patrol operations ever would. This legislation will not only make our border more secure, it enhances preservation of our state's natural treasures."