McCaul Authored Provisions Included in Homeland Security Bill

McCaul Authored Provisions Included in Homeland Security Bill
April 28, 2005

(Washington D.C.)- As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), successfully won passage of several provisions which take major steps in making America's borders more secure.
In a unanimous vote the Committee on Homeland Security approved an amendment which helps border states multiply the number of police officers able to deal with immigration law breakers.

"Border and coastal states, which qualify, will use the money provided by this amendment to multiply border patrol officers, border inspectors and Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigators," stated Congressman Michael McCaul.

With passage of the amendment state and local law enforcement officers will be given an opportunity to be trained and become qualified to perform the essential functions of an immigration officer, including investigation, apprehension, and detention of illegal aliens. Currently, immigration laws can only be enforced by federal law officers, even when state and local authorities encounter persons, they suspect may not be in the U.S. legally.

Additionally, Congressman McCaul led the way as the House Committee on Homeland Security, for the first time, officially acknowledged major problems truckers are having at the Texas/Mexican border by waiting in long security lines.

"We now have the technology to move trucks through the border faster without sacrificing necessary security checkpoints and their important roles," stated McCaul.

In a related matter Congressman McCaul worked with his Texas colleague Lamar Smith to reach approval in developing a university-based Center for Excellence for Border Security. The amendment includes portions of a request made by Congressman McCaul for a center which focuses strictly on border security policy.

"Congressman Lamar Smith has dedicated his service in Congress to making our nations boarders more secure. I was pleased to have the opportunity to support his efforts to establish a University Center of Excellence on Border Security," stated Congressman Michael McCaul.

The approved Department of Homeland Security Authorization bill now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx10_mccaul/HomelandAuthorization.html