Washington, D.C. - Today the House Homeland Security Committee passed H.R. 3548, the Border Security For America Act, by a vote of 18-12. Introduced by Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), and with 70 cosponsors, the landmark legislation will better protect our homeland by strengthening the security of our borders and ports of entry.
Chairman McCaul:"The U.S. Constitution enumerates Congress' authority to provide for the common defense of our nation. Today the Committee passed legislation that will protect our homeland by strengthening the security of our borders. This is a 21 st Century, multi-layered approach, which authorizes $10 billion for the construction of a border wall, $5 billion for the modernization of our ports of entry, provides other tactical infrastructure and cutting-edge technology, puts more boots on the ground, and better empowers the Department of Homeland Security's Secretary to take other necessary actions to secure the border.
We have been talking about border security for many years. Now that we finally have a partner in the White House who has prioritized this issue, it's time for Congress to do its part and get the job done. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both chambers to get this bill to the President's desk so we can finally provide the American people with the security they have long demanded and deserve."
Senator Cornyn: "We can't expect law enforcement to curb illegal immigration without equipping them with the tools they need to secure our border. Our plan takes a multilayered approach by authorizing a strategic combination of physical infrastructure, personnel, and technology along the border. I commend the Committee for taking this critical first step, and I look forward to continuing my work with Chairman McCaul to advance our border security solution."
NOTE: In early August, Chairman McCaul and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) penned a joint op-ed on their Committees' efforts to strengthen our nation's border security and to better enforce our immigration laws.
