Thread: Senators McCain and Kyl push for enhanced border security

Senators McCain and Kyl push for enhanced border security
Posted: Apr 13, 2011 10:50 AM CDT
Updated: Apr 13, 2011 10:50 AM CDT

Video: Senator McCain talks about new plan to secure border
6:53

Reporter: Ian Reitz

TUCSON (KGUN-TV) - U.S. Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl will introduce an enhanced 10-point border security plan on Wednesday. Among other items, the "Border Security Enforcement Act of 2011" calls for the deployment of up to 6,000 National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. Senator McCain tells 9 On Your Side he also wants to see 5,000 additional Border Patrol agents deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border by 2016.

During a live interview with KGUN 9 On Your Side's Ian Reitz, U.S. Senator McCain stressed the need for more boots on the ground along the border.

"It is very clear that we need the National Guard down there. The training is good for them. They enjoy that environment. Most importantly while we continue to hire Border Patrol they fill a much needed role," said Senator McCain.

9 On Your Side's Ian Reitz asked Senator McCain if he would be happy with a compromise on some of the figures proposed, specifically the call to deploy 6,000 National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border.

"No, these are really the minimum that we think are required. Border security and the security of our citizens is really the first obligation of government...the security of our citizens. This is, what we think, is a reasonable number. There are others who argue that we need much more. We think the combination of technology, physical barriers and personnel can get our border secure. We are confident of that," responded Senator McCain.

The 10-point plan also calls for funding 500 additional Customs inspectors and increasing funding to Operation Streamline, a program that puts illegal border crossers behind bars for up to sixty days. Also included in the legislation is a call for increased surveillance systems and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) along several locations.

Click here to read the full bill.
http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.c ... ba7eb38401


http://www.kgun9.com/story/14438382/sen ... ected=true

SENS. MCCAIN, KYL INTRODUCE ENHANCED BORDER SECURITY PLAN

US Fed News
April 13, 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C.

The office of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., issued the following news release:

U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jon Kyl (R-AZ) today introduced the Border Security Enforcement Act of 2011, an enhanced, fully paid for, 10-point comprehensive border security legislation to combat illegal immigration, drug and alien smuggling, and violent illegal immigrant activity along the border between Mexico and Arizona, Texas, California and New Mexico.

"Ten years ago, we could not have anticipated the headlines that routinely appear in newspapers today, throughout the U.S., detailing the dangers along our southern border. While our border with Mexico has always seen some level of illegal immigration, it has not seen the powerful threat of deadly violence by illegal immigrants that exists today as a result of Mexico's ongoing war against its drug cartels," said Senator John McCain.

"I recently returned from a visit to our southern border and we are seeing a little progress along our land borders, but progress is not success. We must remain strongly vigilant and continue to make every effort to secure America's southern border."

"While Senator McCain and I have successfully fought to increase funding for border security efforts, most in Washington have yet to appreciate that a whole lot more still needs to be done. The Obama Administration claims the border is 'more secure than ever,'" said Senator Jon Kyl. "With hundreds of thousands of people illegally crossing the border every year and record drug smuggling and violence, shouldn't the government be working to completely secure the border? Our plan is a very straightforward approach that will actually achieve a very secure border."

Senators McCain and Kyl's Enhanced Ten Point Border Security Action Plan:

1) Deploy up to 6,000 National Guard troops to the United States-Mexico border.

2) Deploy 5,000 additional Border Patrol agents to the United States-Mexico border by 2016 and Offer Hardship Duty Pay to Border Patrol agents assigned to rural, remote high-trafficked areas. Provide funding for 500 additional Customs inspectors for the southwest border.

3) Provide increased funding for Operation Streamline.

4) Provide increased funding for the Southwest Border Prosecutors Initiative.

5) Provide increased funding for Operation Stonegarden.

6) Construct thick double-layer fencing at needed locations along the United States-Mexico border and replace outdated and ineffective landing-mat fencing along the southwest border.

7) Increase the number of mobile and other surveillance systems and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) along the United States-Mexico border. Send additional fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to the United States-Mexico border.

Provide funding for vital radio communications and interoperability between Customs and Border Patrol and state, local, and tribal law enforcement.

9) Provide funding for additional Border Patrol stations along the southwest border and explore the possibility of creating an additional Border Patrol sector in Arizona. Create six additional permanent Border Patrol Forward Operating Bases and upgrade existing bases.

10) Complete construction of the planned permanent checkpoint in Arizona. Deploy additional temporary roving checkpoints and increase horse patrols throughout the Tucson Sector.

http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/En ... 15&start=3