Bill seeks money for law enforcement on border

Web Posted: 05/24/2007 12:58 PM CDT

Gary Martin
Express-News Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON – A bill that would provide $150 million to border law enforcement agencies for reimbursement and efforts to thwart drug trafficking and human smuggling was filed Thursday by Rep. Ciro Rodriguez.

The bill was endorsed by Texas border sheriffs and chiefs of police who have complained to Congress and the Bush administration that smuggling and trafficking have overwhelmed their efforts to provide public safety.

Rodriguez said law enforcement agencies along the border often are called upon to assist federal agents or enforce federal laws.

“It takes a lot of their time. It takes a lot of their resources,â€