The House has decided that it is going to send its border enforcement provisions through separately starting with the Secure Fence Act of 2006 (HR 6061) which will provide 700 miles of two layered border fence. They are expected to vote on it today. The bill was brought forth by Congressman Pete King (R-NY).
Congressmen John Boehner (R-OH) and Peter King intend to announce other proposals today for more border patrol agents, unmanned aerial vehicles and high tech equipment to monitor the border.
Regarding the border fence and whether the White House will support the proposal, White House Spokesman Tony Snow said "What the administration wants is comprehensive reform.". In other words the White House probably isn't happy with this because it doesn't include amnesty for illegal aliens.
On CSPAN right now Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) called the Border Fence "a gimmick". Yes, you read that right, the security and defense of our nation is "a gimmick" to the Democrats.
Click here where I'm covering the debate, arguments and voting live
The 700 miles of fence would include
- 361 miles from Calexico, California to Douglas, Arizona
- 176 miles from Laredo to Brownsville, Texas
- 51 miles from Del Rio to Eagle Pass, Texas
- 88 miles from El Paso, Texas to Columbus, New Mexico
- 22 miles in Tecate, California near San Diego
Of course with the election coming up some Representatives are just doing this for homeland security and immigration points at the voting booth. I personally don't care why they are doing it as long as it gets done.
Now if we could just get to some cracking down on employers who hire illegal aliens and also some interior enforcement funds and initiative.
Full text of HR 6061
