Jaime Zapata Border Enforcement Security Task Force Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. McCaul. Mr. Speaker, as an original co-sponsor of the Jaime Zapata Border Enforcement Security Task Force Act, I rise today in favor of this important legislation. H.R. 915 strengthens our homeland security by codifying the authority to create Border Enforcement Security Task Force, BEST teams and giving the program the resources it needs.

It is an unfortunate fact of life that for generations our border communities have been subjected to crime and violence at the hands of criminals, smugglers and drug cartels. Now with the terrible rise of violence that has occurred in Mexico over the past few years, this threat has never been greater. In response to these realities, the Department of Homeland Security created the Border Enforcement Security Task Force initiative as an innovative approach to combating the increasing threat of transnational crime.

BEST operates by bringing together all of the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that share the responsibility of securing our borders. Under the auspices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the BEST program enables the unique capabilities and resources of each participating agency to combine into a synergistic response to border crime and violence. BEST has also expanded to include our seaports and other non-border ports of entry as well. This has allowed the BEST program to evolve into a truly comprehensive security countermeasure against transnational crime and terrorist attack.

It is also altogether fitting and proper that this bill be named after ICE Special Agent Jaime J. Zapata. On February 15, 2011, Special Agent Zapata gave his life in support of the ideals that are engendered in the BEST program. This legislation will stand as a testament to his selfless sacrifice and steadfast devotion to his duty as an American law enforcement officer.

As chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee for Oversight, Investigations and Management, it is clear to me that the BEST program has made our border communities and our Nation safer and more secure. I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation so that we may continue its success in protecting our Nation.

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