Gordon Votes For Border Security Measure
September 14, 2006, WASHINGTON, D.C. – Continuing his efforts to secure the nation’s borders, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon voted for legislation that would require installation of fencing at key points of the U.S.-Mexico border.
“The unregulated flow of people across our borders poses a serious threat to our national security,” said Gordon. “This is an issue we must take seriously. The 9/11 Commission pointed to our vast land borders as a potential way for terrorists to gain entry into our country. It is simply much too easy for people to enter our country undetected and remain here as long as they please.”
The Secure Fence Act, H.R. 6061, was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives today (September 14). The bill, which now goes to the Senate for consideration, requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to install a total of 700 miles of two-layered reinforced fencing along five key points of the border.
Gordon voted for similar provisions when they were included in the border security bill that passed the House last December. That legislation, which has been sent to the Senate for approval, also requires Homeland Security to develop a national strategy for border security and to work with the Department of Defense to increase the availability and use of military equipment in border surveillance.
Currently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Border Patrol is charged with securing roughly 7,500 miles of U.S. border. With just 12,000 Border Patrol agents on the job today, technology must be incorporated to assist the Border Patrol in carrying out its mission.
Expert witnesses recently testified before the House Science Committee on the ways technology could substantially assist agents in detecting and apprehending intruders crossing U.S. borders. Current research is being conducted to create a virtual fence using sensors and imaging techniques linked in an information network, which would provide the relatively small number of agents in the field with a tool to locate and track intruders.
“We must be smarter in our approach to border security,” said Gordon, Ranking Member of the Science Committee. “There are thousands of miles to patrol and not enough Border Patrol agents. We need technology to help fill those gaps.”
Gordon also said increased border security plays a big role in keeping methamphetamine out of Middle Tennessee communities. The National Drug Intelligence Center reported in January that although domestic meth production has decreased, Mexican drug trafficking organizations are making up the difference. According to the NDIC, the amount of meth seized at the U.S.-Mexico border increased by 75 percent from 2002 to 2004.
“Strict new laws have helped reduce meth production in Tennessee,” said Gordon. “However, the amount of meth smuggled from Mexico has increased dramatically. By preventing people from bringing meth across our borders, we are also helping to keep it out of our communities.”
