National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016

Floor Speech

First, I would like to express my thanks to Chairman Thornberry for his leadership and hard work on this important legislation.

This amendment deals with border security. It is an integral part of our national security, and as we draw down our military presence in Afghanistan, equipment used successfully in combat can be used to enhance border security at home and, in the process, save taxpayer dollars.

Today, five aerostats used to protect forward operating bases in Iraq and Afghanistan are now providing situational awareness in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Their use has helped agents apprehend dangerous aliens and interdict drugs that are en route to our neighborhoods.

My amendment makes sure DHS can continue to acquire advanced DOD excess equipment by modifying current law, last updated in 1996, before the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, to provide preference for ``border security activities.''

This change puts border security and the Department of Homeland Security on equal footing with the Department of Justice and the Office of National Drug Control Policy. With this small change, DHS' border security components can readily tap into DOD's excess equipment on a preferential basis.

In the past, United States Customs and Border Protection has missed out on thousands of articles of DOD excess gear because the equipment is often distributed on a first-come first-served basis. With the higher priorities, CBP will have a better opportunity to evaluate the cost effectiveness of a system before acquiring it. My amendment simply brings the law up to date and gives DHS the ability to apply military technology for the border security mission.

Before I close, Mr. Chairman, I would like to address what this amendment does not do. It does not supply local police forces with equipment recently used in a war zone. It does not militarize our local law enforcement officials. In fact, if that is a concern, you should support my amendment, which will put more military excess in the hands of DHS.

Finally, Mr. Chairman, it is important to note to my friends on the other side of the aisle that the administration actually supports the idea posed behind this amendment. The arguments in opposition, I believe, do not withstand scrutiny, and with that, Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

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