McCaul Backs Week of Major Homeland Security Legislation

McCaul Backs Week of Major Homeland Security Legislation
May 18, 2005

Bills Increases Focus on Border and Immigration Problems

(Washington D.C.)- This week Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) strongly supported two pieces of legislation helping ensure America becomes a more secure nation. He voted for the Homeland Security Authorization Act for 2006 and the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill for 2006. Both work to provide new additions and advancements to the Department of Homeland Security.

"These two bills are the foundation of a solid national security policy. They get the job done by helping prevent terrorist attacks, defending our borders, fighting illegal immigration and supporting our first responders," stated Congressman Michael McCaul.

H.R. 1817, The Homeland Security Authorization Act for 2006 includes a committee introduced amendment by McCaul. With this amendment, federal funding becomes available for state and local officers to be trained and qualified to perform the essential functions of an immigration officer, including investigation, apprehension, and detention of undocumented aliens.

"The $40 million, to states which qualify, serves as a needed force multiplier to our border patrol, border inspectors and immigration investigators," said McCaul. He went on to say, "If we have learned anything from the tragedy of September 11th, it is that we must work together. No longer can we afford the turf battles between state, federal and local law enforcement. America needs every officer available to help fight illegal immigration," stated McCaul.

"In our ongoing efforts towards the public safety of our citizens in the area of homeland security we appreciate the work by Congressman McCaul to provide our officers an additional tool which can help us further investigate or detain those who may do the city of Austin or State of Texas harm," stated Rudy Garza, Assistant City Manager for Public Safety in the City of Austin.

The authorization also calls for the recruitment and training of 2000 new border patrol agents. The legislation also helps better prepare first responders and governments at all levels for a terrorist attack by authorizing a National Terrorism Exercise Program and improves analytical capabilities within the Department of Homeland Security to help ensure intelligence services are prepared to nuclear and biological threats.

Congressman McCaul also supported the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday. The bill sets out what the Department of Homeland Security can spend money on in 2006.

"I am pleased with the progress Congress is making in funding the Department of Homeland Security, however we can and must do more. I will not stop working until America has the needed numbers of border security agents, immigration investigators and detention beds to deal with illegal immigrants. This is not just an immigration issue anymore, it's also about national security," stated Congressman McCaul.

The bill includes $3.2 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These funds will provide for an additional 150 criminal investigators and 200 immigration Enforcement Agents which when combined with the other legislation means an additional 568 agents and officers will be hired in 2006. The legislation also calls for $690 million for custody management which includes an additional 1,920 detention beds and ultimately means, when combined with previously passed legislation, that America's border enforcement will receive an extra 3,870 detention beds.

Congressman McCaul, a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, is an active participant in issues surrounding immigration and national security.

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