Wilson Praises Passage of the "Secure Fence Act"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2006

CONTACT: Kim Olive
(202) 225-2452 (Office)
(202) 420-9493 (Cell)

Wilson Praises Passage of the “Secure Fence Act”
House Republicans Committed to Moving Forward on Border Security

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) today issued the following statement upon passage of H.R. 6061, the “Secure Fence Act.” The bill passed by a vote of 283-138.

“During the August district work period, I hosted three town hall meetings to examine the issues of illegal immigration and border security. My colleagues held border security field hearings around the country. Now that we are back in Washington, I am pleased Majority Leader John Boehner and the Republican leadership are proving their commitment to moving forward on this vital issue.

“With passage of the ’Secure Fence Act,’ House Republicans are taking the first of several steps toward addressing illegal immigration.

“Senate Democrats are offering amnesty when Americans want security. It is time we act to curtail the flow of illegal immigration, and we must begin at the border.”

The “Secure Fence Act” will strengthen operational control of all borders and ports through additional fencing and surveillance. Specifically the bill:

Authorizes more than 700 miles of two-layered reinforced fencing along the southwest border;

Mandates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintain operational control over the entire border through a “virtual fence” that deploys cameras, ground sensors, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and integrated surveillance technology;

Requires DHS to provide necessary authority to border personnel to disable fleeing vehicles; and

Requires DHS to assess vulnerabilities on the northern border.

Later today, Republican leaders are expected to unveil additional border security measures to be considered in the coming weeks.

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