Posted on 05/11/2006 9:17:45 AM PDT by CedarDave
Pearce Re-Introduces Pure Border Security Bill as Solution to Logjams on Comprehensive Legislation.
New Mexico lawmaker praises Senate attempt to reach a comprehensive solution while urging this simpler approach to easing the border crisis now.
Washington, D.C., Apr 7
U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce has re-introduced the pure border security bill the House Homeland Security Committee passed last fall as a means of breaking the logjams that are impeding progress on legislation striving to address both border security and immigration reform.
Rep. Pearce’s legislation, H.R. 5067 (the Border Security and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006), reinstates the language of H.R. 4312 (the Border Security and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006) as it existed before that bill was combined with H.R. 4437 (the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005), which ensnared H.R. 4312’s essential border security measures in the complex immigration reform debate.
In his comments today, Rep. Pearce placed his legislation within the context of the Senate’s difficulties in moving the bipartisan comprehensive agreement announced yesterday:
“I commend the Senate’s efforts to untangle an exceptionally complex problem,” Rep. Peace said. In particular, the Senate’s compromise demonstrates movement away from blanket amnesty/citizenship – although I am concerned that its provisions may not go far enough in eliminating the incentives for illegal immigration.
“Our primary goal must be border security – and the Senate agreement contains significant advances in that area. Yet, the extremely difficult challenge of comprehensively addressing immigration reform is preventing us from passing border security measures that could make a real and immediate difference for my constituents.
“Thus, I believe we should break this process into three separate components. Let’s act first on pure border security legislation, which could command broad bipartisan support. After we act decisively to secure the border, we can unravel the complicated details of bills that address a guest worker program and the status of illegal immigrants currently working in the United States.
“That’s why I have re-introduced the solid border security bill the House Homeland Security Committee passed last November, as it existed before it became ensnared with the issue of immigration reform. The residents of Southern New Mexico simply can’t wait any longer for action to solve the border crisis.”
A review of H.R. 4312 (re-introduced by Rep. Pearce on 3/30 as H.R. 5067)
As the only member of the Homeland Security Committee who represents a congressional district on the Mexican border, Rep. Pearce and his staff played a leading role in the development of H.R. 4312, which redesigned the federal government’s approach to border security.
Congressman Pearce’s staff drafted much of the specific language contained in H.R. 4312, as follows:
Amendments offered by Congressman Pearce and passed by the Committee:
* Language ensuring that Congress will promptly provide legislation authorizing necessary security measures outlined in the Secretary’s National Strategy for Border Security.
* Language allowing the Secretary of Homeland Security to reimburse residents along the border for costs associated with repairing damages to their private fences constructed on the Government right-of-way (this provision was specifically requested by Congressman Pearce’s constituents on the border).
Language Congressman Pearce successfully urged the Committee to incorporate in the original text of H.R. 4312:
* Specifying that the physical infrastructure enhancements the Secretary is required to make in order to achieve operational control of the border must include additional checkpoints, all weather access roads along the border and additional barriers along the border.
* Clearly defining the goal of operational control to mean the prevention of any entry into the United States of terrorists, unlawful aliens, instruments of terrorism, narcotics and other contraband.
* Requiring an assessment of additional detention facilities and bed space needed to detain unlawful aliens apprehended in accordance with increased border security (Within the National Strategy for Border Security the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security must currently provide to Congress).
* Requiring the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to develop accountability and performance metrics within Border Patrol and other agencies within the Department as a part of the National Strategy for Border Security.
* Requiring that State, local and tribal authorities along the international border be consulted in developing the National Strategy for Border Security.
* Requiring the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to develop and implement a plan to ensure clear and secure two way communication between Border Patrol and residents in remote areas along the international border.
* Requiring the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to use all possible options to increase detention capacities, including temporary detention structures and the use of State and local correctional facilities.
* Requiring the Secretary the Department of Homeland Security to recommend for more cost effectively repatriating illegal immigrants.
(Additional material at the website given by the link)
Congress needs to address one issue at a time and pass it. They get way too bogged down with amendments, and those amendments are the source of controversey and debate that causes the whole issue to stall.
We will see if this goes anywhere as well. There is plenty of reason to be skeptical given the past congressional performance grade.
Of course, that's what the RATs want -- a stalled bill is as good as a weak compromise bill in that they figure either will keep the conservative Republicans home in November out of disgust that border security is not front and center. I for one don't intend to buy into that strategy and will work for re-election of my Congressman and for a replacement to liberal Senator Bingaman.
Good points -- Congress can pass all the laws they want, but if the agencies in charge of implementing them do not do their job, the laws are worthless. And Congress, either by not appropriating money for enforcement or staff can control how effective the law actually is.
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