House Passes Border Security Bill

House Passes Border Security Bill

Washington, DC - Today, in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Leonard Boswell voted to boost security along the U.S./Mexico border by supporting H.R. 6061, the Secure Fence Act of 2006. The bill authorizes over 700 miles of two layered reinforced fencing along the southwest border, with prioritized placement at highly populated areas. In addition to authorizing the physical fence, the bill authorizes a "virtual fence", which includes the use of cameras, ground sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles and other surveillance technology.

"The first priority in dealing with the influx of illegal immigrants is securing our borders," said Boswell. "This legislation, of which I am proud to be an original cosponsor, would do just that."

"By providing for fencing in highly populated areas, and using technology such as unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the more desolate areas of the border, we will be able to secure our border from the illegal smuggling of individuals and illicit drugs, and close an open doorway that terrorists could exploit," added Boswell.

"I'm very pleased that the bill includes the use of innovative technology to enhance security, rather than simply depending upon a fence," said Boswell.

Last December, Boswell supported H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, which included several provisions to better secure the U.S./Mexico border.

http://boswell.house.gov/article.asp?id=563