Political Quotes

“This bill already provides robust funding for border security operations. In fact, this year we increase CBP border security inspection and trade facilitation by $85 million above the President's request. CBP border security is important, I totally agree, but let me mention that the funding that we've increased supports 21,186 CBP officers and other increases in the National Targeting Center and Global Entry, among other programs and initiatives, to increase efficiency in CBP operations. CBP's budget faces real challenges. Seventy percent of CBP funds go for pay and benefits, up from 65 percent just last year. {time} 2000 This figure does not include costs associated with supporting frontline officers, such as equipment and facilities, much less new technology. The committee report outlines opportunities for better managing fee funds and innovating CBP processes. Further, the Secretary has not yet submitted the workload staffing allocation model that will justify any additional CBP officer resources. Given these issues, it is not the time to increase CBP officer staffing. I will say that it must be noted that the facility that would be cut, we have an immediate need to build up our capacity for research into pathogens that afflict animals and our food chain and, by extension, human beings.…”