Where is the Fence?
From Congressman Pete Sessions
Published: 10-29-07
Progress Report on the Construction Along the Border
From Congressman Pete Sessions
Published: 10-29-07
Progress Report on the Construction Along the BorderThis month in Washington I focused on our progress along the border. As you know the Secure Fence Act of 2006 signed into law by President Bush called for the construction of 700 miles of fencing along the border.
Construction Status
Recently Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff updated Congress on the status of the fence. On September 5 2007 Secretary Chertoff reported that 113 miles of fencing and 112 miles of vehicle barriers had been erected along the southern border including California Arizona New Mexico and Texas. Reports released by DHS this month indicate that actual construction has reached 153 miles.
Construction Status
Recently Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff updated Congress on the status of the fence. On September 5 2007 Secretary Chertoff reported that 113 miles of fencing and 112 miles of vehicle barriers had been erected along the southern border including California Arizona New Mexico and Texas. Reports released by DHS this month indicate that actual construction has reached 153 miles.
A pilot virtual fence is also in construction phases along 28 miles of the border. DHS is working with contractors to address some of the technological “glitches” they have encountered. Secretary Chertoff also announced that he plans to have 370 miles of fencing and 200 miles of vehicle barriers completed by the end of 2008. 1 Of those 370 miles 153 are slated to be built in Texas. I commend Secretary Chertoff’s commitment to this project.
Environmental Concerns
Despite the face that construction of the fence is law DHS has encountered a number of hurdles in the fence construction. This month a federal judge halted fence construction along the Arizona-Mexico border in response to concerns raised by environmental groups. Defenders of Wildlife and the Sierra Club asked that a more thorough environmental impact report be submitted before the fence is erected. This portion of the fence is set to be built across a wildlife conservation area and they are concerned that the construction will be harmful to the wildlife and ecosystem in the conservation area.
However proponents of the fence argue that the wear-and-tear of illegal immigrants crossing this land poses a greater threat to the wildlife conservation. Those crossing illegally often leave trash start fires and destroy wildlife with the paths they create from constant travel both by foot and by car across the remote region.
Although the construction of the fence will have some environmental impact on the land it will prevent greater deterioration in the future by keeping illegal immigrants out of the area. I believe that the long-term benefits of the border fence outweigh the environmental concerns associated with its construction.
Improving Border Security
I am an original cosponsor of H.R 3916 which was introduced by my colleague Congressman Ralph Hall (R-TX) who serves as the Ranking Member of the Committee on Science and Technology. H.R. 3916 provides for the next generation of border and maritime security technologies.
H.R. 3916 includes technology for tunnel detection aerial vehicle border monitoring advanced screening at ports of entry and personal protective equipment. Additionally this legislation provides advancements in the way we monitor our border and ports. Border security is my top priority in the fight against illegal immigration and I believe that this bill will aid in this effort.
As always if you have any questions regarding fence construction along the border or want future updates on the progress DHS is making please feel free to contact me or my Legislative Assistant Evan Shoop at 202.225.2231 or email her at Evan.Shoop@mail.house.gov.
1. “Chertoff Defends Border Fence.” By Eileen Sullivan. The Associated Press. October 1 2007.
