Posted on 10/06/2006 6:49:47 AM PDT by engrpat
WASHINGTON - No sooner did Congress authorize construction of a 700-mile fence on the U.S.-Mexico border last week than lawmakers rushed to approve separate legislation that ensures it will never be built, at least not as advertised, according to Republican lawmakers and immigration experts.
GOP leaders have singled out the fence as one of the primary accomplishments of the recently completed session. Many lawmakers plan to highlight their $1.2 billion down payment on its construction as they campaign in the weeks before the midterm elections.
But shortly before recessing late Friday, the House and Senate gave the Bush administration leeway to distribute the money to a combination of projects -- not just the physical barrier along the southern border. The funds may also be spent on roads, technology and "tactical infrastructure" to support the Homeland Security Department's preferred option of a "virtual fence."
What's more, in a late-night concession to win over wavering Republicans, GOP congressional leaders pledged in writing that American Indian tribes, members of Congress, governors and local leaders would get a say in "the exact placement" of any structure, and that Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff would have the flexibility to use alternatives "when fencing is ineffective or impractical."
The loopholes leave the Bush administration with authority to decide where, when and how long a fence will be built, except for small stretches east of San Diego and in western Arizona. Homeland Security officials have proposed a fence half as long, lawmakers said.
This case reflects political calculations by GOP strategists that voters do not mind the details, and that key players -- including the administration, local leaders and the Mexican government -- oppose a fence-only approach, analysts said.
(Excerpt) Read more at dfw.com ...
But since there is only funding for 700 miles of fence, stripping that money off the roll for other projects may leave areas that are an easy walk across wide open.
"...governors and local leaders would get a say in "the exact placement" of any structure."
WTF? Put it on the doted line that is the border, where else?
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0929border-fence0929.html
Another change would give the Department of Homeland Security more authority to decide where to put the fence. Still another would allow vehicle barriers, sensors and cameras to count toward the 700-mile total.
You win,
I'd settle for piranha.
The Mexican government, Vicente, has more say in this administration than the American citizen.
How does that feel?
LOL
The only real thing about a "virtual fence" are the wasted tax dollars.
The republicans in congress are apparently on a death wish. I will still vote for the turkeys only to support and continue the WOT. God have mercy on this country.
The Mexican government, Vicente, has more say in this administration than the American citizen.
How does that feel? "
YEEESH!
"Even worst, it allows a Dem President to use the loop holes to delay the fence until enough legal Mexican immigrants become citizens and tip the electoral balance in key states (CA, TX, etc)."
---and the national Catholic/Protestant balance?
This is a tiny step.
Our country is changing before our eyes. But they are changing it so slowly that 90-95% of us can't see it. 30-40 years from now "our" country will be dead and gone forever.
Glad I'm an old fart. The kids of today are not going to have an easy time of it. Very depressing.
Eh, we had a good run. We let the elites take over, we deserve what's coming.
ping
Figures, you know theyd find a way to screw us.
We will be lucky if the next POTUS is about as conservative as Hillary, face it the fix was in from the get go.
As Tonto said to the Lone Ranger, "What you mean by 'we' Kemo Sabe?"
I think you about covered it.
Told ya there was never going to be a fence erected.
Election hasn't been held yet, either.
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