Lawmakers Want Defense Technology on Border
by Elizabeth Titus

WASHINGTON — Lawmakers gathered today to discuss how to use military technology for border security as the United States shifts its roles in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Texas legislators showed particular interest in acquiring defense equipment for the state’s border with Mexico, touting their recent travel to the Middle East and inviting federal officials to visit their home districts.

With American troops leaving Iraq and an eventual withdrawal from Afghanistan expected, advocates for military technology on the border said it is an attractive option because it could save taxpayer money, could complement the U.S. Border Patrol’s human resources and has proven successful before.

“One of the things that I kept asking was, ‘Hey, what about the equipment? What’s going to happen with the equipment over there?’â€