Monday, December 10, 2007 - 12:40 PM MST
Lawmakers request GAO study of interior border checkpoints

by Mike Sunnucks Phoenix Business Journal

Four Arizona lawmakers want the federal government to scrutinize the effectiveness of interior security checkpoints near the U.S.-Mexico border aimed at catching drug smugglers and illegal immigrants.

U.S. Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl and Rep. Rick Renzi, all R-Ariz., and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., want the U.S. Government Accountability Office to study the checkpoints' effectiveness and impact on border security, economics and communities. They and several lawmakers from other border states, including U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, have written to the GAO requesting a formal study.

The checkpoints are set up inside the U.S. on major roads in border states. They require motorists and truckers to stop and face possible vehicle inspections.

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stor ... aily6.html