| Washington, DC – Congressman Bill Shuster voted in favor of legislation this afternoon to strengthen our nation’s border and to stem the flow of illegal immigration. The Secure Fence Act is an emergency measure that secures the border through increased Border Patrol operations, state-of-the-art technology and reinforced fencing. The House passed the Secure Fence Act (H.R. 6061) today by a vote of 283 to 138.
“Securing the border is a top priority in America right now,” said Shuster. “Building a fence and increasing surveillance is the logical way to keep people from just walking into our country. We cannot leave the U.S. open to illegal immigration, drug smuggling and even a terrorist sneaking across our porous borders. Border security is national security.”
Over the summer, House Republicans held more than 20 hearings and visited sites across the country to assess the current border situation. The hearings made it clear that action must be taken immediately to strengthen security along the border and protect the American people.
The Secure Fence Act authorizes more than 700 miles of fences along the southwest border, giving priority to highly-populated, high-traffic areas. The bill also increases surveillance along the border through the use of cameras, sensors and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). |
