The Homeland Security Appropriations bill (HR 2638) is currently the latest bargaining chip being used to resurrect the Immigration Reform Bill in the Senate. The Immigration Reform Bill was revived when President Bush called for $4.4 billion in border security spending to be added to the bill to win support for those in the Senate wishing to secure the border and enforce current immigration laws before providing illegal immigrants a path to citizenship. Included in the Senate’s version of the homeland security funding bill is $1 billion for fencing and technology as part of the $8.8 billion provided for Customs and Border Protection. The Senate measure also withholds $700 million until congressional appropriations committees approved a spending plan for the Secure Border Initiative ( SBI ) program. The House homeland security bill encompasses funding for a broad range of initiatives, including WHTI, which Rep. Slaughter of NY put in several provisions that would withhold $100 million in funding for WHTI implementation until DHS reports to Congress on the development of the Pass Card. The Border Trade Alliance ( BTA ) opposes an amendment offered today in the House to H.R. 2638 that would forbid DHS from developing the Pass Card or using any other document in place of the passport for WHTI. BTA will continue to monitor this legislation closely and report any developments or additional advocacy efforts to our members as they happen.
White House opposes mandate of local input on border security - Houston Chronicle
The spending bill provides $8.8 billion for Customs and Border Protection, including $1 billion for fencing and technology. But the bill mandates that $700 million be withheld until congressional appropriations committees approve an investment and spending plan for the Secure Border Initiative program.
The bill also requires that the Homeland Security Department solicit input from state and local communities about fencing and “tactical infrastructure” plans, language requested by Rep. Ciro Rodriguez, D-San Antonio, a member of the appropriations committee. “The president and Homeland Security stand to benefit from the input of the local community — landowners and local law enforcement — who deal with border life and border security every day,” Rodriguez said Tuesday. Read the full article…
Immigration Bill Revived in Senate - CQ
“We’re standing in front of a train, there’s no doubt about it,” said
Jim DeMint, R-S.C., a leader of the group of Republicans trying to kill the bill. The breakthrough came hours after President Bush called for $4.4 billion in border security spending to be added to the bill — an effort to win over those who want to enforce current laws before providing a path to legalization for illegal immigrants. DeMint said Bush’s proposal “may give enough people cover to vote for the bill.” Read the full article…Earmark Dispute Bogs Down Homeland Security Bill - Washington Post
Debate on the $36 billion homeland security bill, which would fund the Federal Emergency Management Agency, border security and counterterrorism measures, bogged down last night as Republicans pushed scores of amendments aimed at banning the use of counterterrorism money for designer handbags, puppet shows and other programs included in the legislation. Democrats, intent on passing 11 of the 12 appropriations measures before the July 4 recess, responded by vowing to stay through the weekend if needed to break the deadlock. Read the full article…
Leave a Reply
The BTA reserves the right to post comments it feels are appropriate to creating a dialog around border issues. We are interested in hearing from all points of view and encourage those with unique, constructive perspectives to contribute their view points to help shape the future of our borders. BTA is a tri-national organization and will not accept posts that contain derogatory comments made towards citizens, groups, or organizations of any kind.