On the recordMay 25, 2010
I believe it can be done. The Yuma sector represents a good example of how it can be done. The Cornyn amendment would provide funding specifically for some of the personnel who are needed on the border and some of the related activity, both Federal and State. Our second-degree amendment, offered for Senator McCain and myself, would simply add the funding necessary to implement the Operation Streamline portion of this that would provide the deterrent so people would not want to cross the border illegally because if they got caught, there would be a virtual certainty they would be incarcerated for a relatively short period of time but more, obviously, than any of them want to spend in jail. For this deterrent to work we need this additional funding. I think it is a reasonable approach and certainly on this supplemental appropriation legislation--which helps to fund the military needs of our country, even the National Guard if that is to be funded.
