Kagen Supports Investment in Border Security, Urges Senate to Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 29, 2010

KAGEN SUPPORTS INVESTMENT IN BORDER SECURITY, URGES SENATE TO ACT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. continues to support efforts to secure our border.  Swift action was taken earlier this week to restore an appropriation for border security, which culminated in House passage of $701 million in emergency funds late last night.

“It is the responsibility of the federal government to protect our borders, for any nation that fails to secure its borders will cease to exist,” remarked Kagen.   “This critical funding for the border is a step in the right direction in solving our border crisis, and I urge the Senate to quickly approve this measure before it goes on recess.”

Yesterday, the House approved the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Border Security Act. The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

The bill includes funding for:

• 1,200 additional Border Patrol agents;

• 500 more Customs and Border Protection officers at ports;

• Improved tactical communications along the Southwestern border;

• Three permanent Border Patrol forward operating bases;

• $50 million for Operation Stonegarden grants to support local law enforcement activities on the border;

• Two additional unmanned aircraft systems;

• $30 million for Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities, and;

• $201 million for the Department of Justice to hire more agents for the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; the Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI and to hire additional prosecutors.

###