Thread: Dems Move to Stop Border Fence

Dems Move to Stop Border Fence
Posted by Bobby Eberle
April 9, 2008 at 6:15 am

Fourteen House Democrats are taking the federal government to court in an effort to halt construction of the security barrier between the United States and Mexico. It turns out that environmental groups such as the Sierra Club and the Defenders of Wildlife are more concerned over displacing a few animals than in protecting our borders from potential terrorists and the unchecked flow of illegal immigrants, and the Democrats are more than happy to help.

As reported in the Brownsville Herald, "Three years after Congress granted the federal government unprecedented waiver authority, 14 congressmen are challenging how that authority is being used to construct a fence on the U.S.-Mexico border."

The issue stems from actions taken last week by the Department of Homeland Security. As noted in a DHS press release, the department announced its intent "to issue two waivers of certain laws to expedite security improvements at the southwest border." The press statement explained that "Congress gave the Secretary of Homeland Security authority to waive all legal requirements necessary to expeditiously install additional physical barriers and roads at the border to deter illegal activity."

"Criminal activity at the border does not stop for endless debate or protracted litigation," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "Congress and the American public have been adamant that they want and expect border security. We’re serious about delivering it, and these waivers will enable important security projects to keep moving forward. At the same time, we value the need for public input on any potential impact of our border infrastructure plans on the environment -- and we will continue to solicit it."

On Monday, a group of Democrats led by Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, filed a brief with the Supreme Court which calls into question the constitutionality of the DHS waivers. The Washington Post quotes Democrat John Conyers as saying, "Our responsibility to be stewards of the earth cannot be thrown aside for the sake of an ill-conceived border fence."

See the Video at the Link provided below

Give me a break. The border fence has been the subject of so many political games... first the measure passes Congress, but adequate funds aren't allocated. Then, construction starts much more slowly than planned. Now, Democrats such as Conyers are taking their role of "stewards of the earth" and putting it ahead of the defense of the country.

As noted in the DHS press statement:

A substantial portion of the project areas addressed by these waivers have already undergone environmental reviews. In those areas where environmental reviews have not yet occurred, the department will conduct a review before any major construction begins. The department remains deeply committed to environmental responsibility, and will continue to work closely with the Department of Interior and other federal and state resources management agencies to ensure impacts to the environment, wildlife, and cultural and historic artifacts are analyzed and minimized.

The border security measures requested by the American people should be implemented and not used for political games. Whether it is the president or members of Congress, if measures are proposed and passed, then they must be funded and implemented. Stopping the flow of illegal immigration helps our economy, helps our security, and sends a message that the rule of law will be upheld.

Update: Here are the list of 14 Democrats

Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Homeland Security Committee Chairman

John Conyers (D-MI), Judiciary Committee Chairman
John Dingell (D-MI), Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman
Bob Filner (D-CA), Veterans Affairs Chairman
George Miller (D-CA), Education and Labor Committee Chairman
James Oberstar (D-MN), Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman
Silvestre Reyes (D-TX), Intelligence Committee Chairman
Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Rules Committee Chairwoman

Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY)
Susan Davis (D-CA)
Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ)
Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)
Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
Solomon Ortiz (D-TX)

http://www.gopusa.com/theloft/?p=688

Related Posting:
http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-111146.html