Hyde-Smith supports full border wall funding in appropriations bill
By Sarah Ulmer -September 26, 2019
Homeland Security Measure Cleared for Senate Debate with Increases for Border Security, Immigration Enforcement, FEMA Disaster Relief Fund & U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today fully supported a Senate Appropriations Committee measure to provide full funding for President Trump’s border security initiatives, including the border wall.
Hyde-Smith, who serves on the committee and its Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, voted to advance the FY2020 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill to the full Senate for consideration. The bill funds U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) missions, including border security, immigration enforcement, disaster relief, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
“The border security and immigration enforcement funding in this bill reflects the need to address the serious problems we face on our borders. The wall funding and other resources would give agencies more capacity to deal with the overwhelming influx of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers trying to get into the country,” Hyde-Smith said
“Partisan efforts to reduce this border security funding is simply turning a blind eye to the serious and continuous stress being placed on our borders and on the personnel who enforce our immigration laws,” she said. “This is not a perfect bill, but I’m pleased it will support the work done in Mississippi to protect our citizens.”
The committee-passed measure is now available for consideration by the full Senate.
The bill increases funding for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including the President’s $5.0 billion request for the border wall system, technology, and increased border personnel. The Senate bill also increases detention center bed capacity to help keep pace with the influx of illegal border crossings. It also invests in Immigration and Custom Enforcement missions to combat drug and human trafficking and other transnational criminal activity.
Within the CBP account, Hyde-Smith worked to secure $32.5 million to recapitalize the CBP Light Enforcement Helicopters fleet. These aircraft are deployed for border surveillance and law enforcement missions.
The U.S. Coast Guard would also receive increased funding to fulfill its domestic and overseas missions. The bill recommends a $10.8 million increase for the Maritime Security Response Teams (MSRT), which are the Coast Guard’s first responders to maritime terrorist situations. These deployable forces specialize in advanced interdiction, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism.
https://yallpolitics.com/2019/09/26/...riations-bill/
