Posted on 07/19/2007 3:46:03 PM PDT by Dubya
WASHINGTON — Frustrated by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff's decision to start construction of a controversial border fence in Texas this year, Sen. John Cornyn pledged today to fight any effort that proceeds without community input.
"I assure you there will be local consultation," the Texas Republican said in a call with state reporters. "There will not be ... unilateral actions on the part of the Department of Homeland Security without local input."
With border communities up in arms about the fencing, Cornyn is ramping up his criticism, saying he's very frustrated by what he termed the department's "ham-fisted" handling of a highly controversial matter.
"This could not be mishandled any worse, as far as I'm concerned," said Cornyn, who voted last year for legislation mandating the construction of 700 miles of double-layered fencing at the Southwest border but insisted that local leaders be consulted.
In an interview Wednesday with the Houston Chronicle, Chertoff said construction would begin by this fall. While Chertoff said communities would be consulted "in terms of style" of fencing, he reiterated what he's long said: "We can't give border communities a veto."
But Cornyn said the department has ignored its pledge of consultation, noting that Homeland Security officials prepared a map identifying 153 miles of fencing in Texas without talking to local elected officials. Department officials have repudiated the map, saying it was a preliminary plan meant only as a starting point for discussion.
"Now I read that Secretary Chertoff has said that construction will begin this year," Cornyn said. "But he won't say where."
michelle.mittelstadt@chron.com
Just build it.
That means the fence would never be built. Endless studies and litigation.
This administration will not build any fences, period.
Get the hell out of congress then Cornyn.
Why are locals opposed to a fence? How many of them benefit from an open border allowing drug smuggling, the entry of illegal laborers, or something even worse? It is amazing how national security can take a backseat when an individuals personal gain is at stake.
“Get the hell out of congress then Cornyn.
Apparently, by catering to his constituents, he’s trying to stay in.
No kidding! If I had a ranch on/near the border, I would pray for a fence.
Precisely. If ever there was a clear application of the power of Eminent Domain, I don’t recall one. We can literally draw the line accurately with the help of GPS locators.
String the chalk line, give it a twang, and started digging those foundations.
It seems that an international border would take precedence over the property lines of landowners.
It isn’t his constituents he’s catering to. He’s a Senator. I’ll gurantee you a staewide vote would have that border sealed airtight. He’s catering alright, but to something other than Texans.
I share your dismay. I've not heard of any border residents that would have a problem with a fence. Indeed if it would cut down on trespassers, cut fencing and the problems they've had with the steady stream of illegals I imagine they would embrace a fence.
My guess is that the opposition is slim to none and a figment of the MSM's imagination. I wonder if Cornyn got rope a doped.
Thats quite a mouthful from one who helped cut the ribbon,
on a new International Bridge across the Rio, last year!
Whadaya bet there are people frantically searching the border area right now! For What? Mice, bugs, birds, plants, or anything else that might be “threatened” by the fence.
The fence will not be built ‘til most of Central America is north of the border. Then they’ll build it - to keep the slave labor from going back home!
what frickin “input” do they need? If you build it right on the border, there is no issue. just eminant domain the land for about 20meters in and you are all done. won’t split up anybody’s property, unless of course they own on both sides of the border. if so too bad.
Rope a doped by deep pocketed money contributors. Large truck farms and oil field operators who contribute money along with the usual hispanic/latino activist groups are pressuring Cornyn. That’s my guess.
Hi, we’d like to build a fence at the end of your property for national defense. You say no? OK, sorry to trouble you.
South Texas is a democrat stronghold but even if it wasn't nobody wants the Feds running roughshod over the locals.
Chertoff is the problem, not Cornyn.
Well...the fence is where the rubber meets the road for Congress on this issue.....that’s why there all afraid of it....
Searching hell! They are probably importing Prebbles Jumping Meadow Mice and Spotted Owls by the truckload. It's amazing just how prolific these endangered species can be when you really need them.
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