Thread: Texas Mayors to Meet Chertoff to Discuss Border Security

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Texas mayors to meet with Chertoff to discuss border security

Web Posted: 01/09/2007 03:35 PM CST

Gary Martin
Express-News Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON — Texas mayors say they will express their concerns about a border fence to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff next week, as Republicans in Congress push the Bush administration to build the barrier.


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"Throwing money at the issue does not solve the problem," said Eagle Pass Mayor Chad Foster. "A fence, a wall — that is an antiquated solution to a 21st Century challenge."

The meeting between Chertoff and Texas border mayors is being arranged by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Sen. John Cornyn, both Republicans, to discuss security issues and future border fence location and construction.

"We're trying to get the input from the real world," Hutchison said, "having the local people be a part of what the fencing and security measures would be."

About 11 border mayors, some private property owners and county judges are expected to sit down with Chertoff at Hutchison's Capitol Hill office next week to discuss proposed measures.

Congress passed legislation last year that calls for 700 miles of fence to be built in cities along the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border.

In Texas, the law calls for fence between Brownsville and Laredo, Eagle Pass to Del Rio, and from El Paso to Las Cruces, N.M.

But complaints about the border fence prompted Hutchison to insert language into legislation that gives Texas input into where the fence will be built and how it is constructed.

A spending bill signed into law by President Bush includes $1.2 billion to pay for a portion of the fence. Critics contend the fence would cost in excess of $7 billion to build.

Last week, Republicans in the House urged Bush, in a letter, to increase the amount of funding for a border fence in the budget for fiscal year 2008, which begins in October.

"Americans overwhelmingly support the construction of targeted fencing along our southern border," said the letter signed by Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., a conservative who is considering a 2008 presidential bid.

Officials in some border cities accused Republicans of using the fence, immigration reform and homeland security measures as a political issue to galvanize support among conservatives before the November mid-term elections.

In September, the Laredo City Council adopted a resolution opposing the border fence, and sent a letter to Bush outlining their concerns.

The letter said Laredo understands the need for fair immigration policies and realistic homeland security measures, but "is vehemently opposed to building a border fence as a solution to this issue."

The letter was signed by Laredo Mayor Raul Salinas, who pointed out that the city's status as the No. 1 inland port is "boosted by trade and immigrants."

Hutchison said fencing has been effective in border cities like El Paso and San Diego.

But, she said, "there are some places where you are not going to build a chain-link fence."

She said the meeting between Chertoff and the mayors would open a dialogue with the Homeland Security Department and give local officials input on how to increase security along the Texas-Mexico border.



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gmartin@express-news.net

"Americans overwhelmingly support the construction of targeted fencing along our southern border," said the letter signed by Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., a conservative who is considering a 2008 presidential bid.

Rep. Duncan Hunter got a plug!

Build the fence!!!

I think we need to spend some time calling Hutchison's DC office next week.

El Paso is a Sanctuary City. I really want the mayor that voted to give his town over to illegal aliens influencing America! Seriously, El Paso is 51% illegal alien and 3rd most impoverished city in the US. Those border coucils are so full of illegal alien supporters. Yea, go ask them they will tell you amnesty all the way budy!

Just what Hutchison wants to hear.

Didn't the Senate have hearing this summer at the border? Why would they do this agian? Want to undermine anything the House did?

I'm really having a problem with this. "Something is rotten in Denmark".

Dixie

The meeting between Chertoff and Texas border mayors is being arranged by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Sen. John Cornyn, both Republicans, to discuss security issues and future border fence location and construction.

"We're trying to get the input from the real world," Hutchison said, "having the local people be a part of what the fencing and security measures would be."

It's been well established that Sen. Hutchison and Sen. Cornyn do not want the fence. They've been doing everything in their power to undermind the building of the 700-mile border fence. Isn't it sort of strange they way they're listening to what a handful of border mayors have to say, but completely disregarding what the majority of American citizens want. Is the support of a the border mayors and a handful of border towns that important to Hutchinson and Cornyn getting re-elected? Is it important enough to ignore what I'm sure the majority of Texas citizens want?

"Americans overwhelmingly support the construction of targeted fencing along our southern border," said the letter signed by Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., a conservative who is considering a 2008 presidential bid.

Thank you Rep. Duncan Hunter!

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I bet over half the citizens and all the illegals immigrants residing in those border towns have family that lives in Mexico. Isn't it about time our elected representatives took medication for their selective hearing problems? The rest of the country would like to be heard too!

I agree. Catering to one segment of the population, while ignoring the vast majority of America who want our borders secured is infuriating!!!

If 9/11 happened in their town, I bet you they would of had a different point of view!!

MW wrote:

It's been well established that Sen. Hutchison and Sen. Cornyn do not want the fence. They've been doing everything in their power to undermind the building of the 700-mile border fence. Isn't it sort of strange they way they're listening to what a handful of border mayors have to say, but completely disregarding what the majority of American citizens want.

They are only listening to the people who agree with their agenda.....it seems like almost all politicians are very at ease doing this. The betrayal continues........