Border Security Gutted from Homeland Bill

Press Release

Criticizes Plan Which Strips Important Border Security Tools

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today voted against a Democrat-backed Homeland Security plan which eliminates key tools used to secure the nation's borders, and goes against several recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.

"The Democrat leadership striped out several key programs agreed to by both parties in committee, including immigration checks for employees at critical infrastructure jobs, while completely rejecting the authorization of the 287(g) program - both of which weaken border security and neglect recommendations of the 9/11 Commission," Boozman said.

The 287(g) program is a voluntary one where the federal government reimburses state and local authorities for expenses related to immigration enforcement training. The 9/11 Commission stated that "there is a growing role for state and local law enforcement agencies. They need more training and work with federal agencies so that they can cooperate more effectively with those federal authorities".

"Without federal money, local police would have no way to pay for this additional training and, therefore, pass it up," Boozman added. "This weakens local capabilities, weakens our communities, and weakens the homeland."

Among other programs stripped from the authorization bill:

* Biometric identification of illegal aliens
* Authorization of the United States Secret Service
* Lobbying and ethics restrictions for DHS employees

Source