Graham Supports Sessions Amendment Funding Border Fencing
Graham Supports Sessions Amendment Funding Border Fencing
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today voted in support of an amendment offered by U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama) which provides $1.8 billion in funding for the construction of at least 370 miles of triple-layered fencing and 461 miles of vehicle barriers at strategic locations along the southwest border.
The amendment was attached to the Senate Defense Appropriation bill which authorizes funding for the Department of Defense.
"The first issue to address in immigration reform is border security," said Graham. "Without strong physical border security no immigration reform will be successful in stopping the flood of illegal crossings. The porous nature of our border doesn't just pose immigration problems, but national security ones as well. Additional border fencing is a small price to pay when it comes to protecting our national security and relieving the pressure we face from illegal immigration."
Graham noted that border fencing and better physical security of our borders coupled with establishing a guestworker program and a worker verification system are the key components in passing comprehensive immigration reform.
Graham has continued to meet with senators and members of the House of Representatives in an effort to find common-ground on immigration reform. He has also expressed interest in immigration reform proposals based on some of the principles outlined in legislation proposed by U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and Representative Mike Pence (R-Indiana).
"We need to comprehensively address immigration reform and I think we ought to do it before the November elections," said Graham. "With Presidential leadership and the ongoing talks between members of the House and Senate, I'm optimistic we can get it done. The American people expect us to get this done and we shouldn't let them down."
http://lgraham.senate.gov/index.cfm?mode=presspage&id=261453