Rehberg Moves to Secure Borders; Votes for Border Tunnel Prevention Act
WASHINGTON - Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, took action to further secure America's northern and southern borders by voting in favor of the Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2006, H.R. 4830. The Border Tunnel Prevention Act, enacts criminal penalties of up to 20 years' imprisonment for individuals who knowingly construct or finance the construction of an unauthorized tunnel across a U.S. international border.
"It has become clear that those seeking to enter our country illegally will do so by any means necessary," said Rehberg. "Many of them are criminals who move in shadows and use the protection of tunnels that have been built under our borders. The Tunnel Prevention Act strengthens current laws to impose stiffer penalties on those using clandestine means to enter the U.S."
Under the bill, individuals who permit the construction of a tunnel on their property are subject to imprisonment of up to 10 years. Individuals caught using such a tunnel to smuggle aliens, contraband, drugs, weapons or terrorists are subject to double the penalties that would have otherwise been imposed. Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, almost 40 tunnels have been found along U.S. borders. Recently, U.S. authorities discovered two tons of marijuana inside a 1,200 yard tunnel, complete with lighting, electricity, ventilation and a water pump.
"The simple discovery of tunnels isn't going to prevent use or construction of them," added Rehberg. "That's why we need to send a message to the criminals trying to enter the U.S. illegally that there are going to be strict consequences for breaking the law. The Tunnel Prevention Act is just one more piece of a comprehensive border security package."
http://www.house.gov/list/press/mt00_rehberg/092206_tunnels.html