Political Quotes

“I rise today to offer an amendment to the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill that strengthens our efforts to have a secure and prosperous border. As you know, these issues are foremost in the thoughts of people across this country. As was noted by my friend and colleague from Arizona, Mr. Flake, his amendment acknowledged the reality that strengthening the ports of entry should be a national priority. His amendment was accepted as a means to begin to increase and pay attention to that national priority. It's a jobs issue, and it's a security issue. Land ports of entry are the economic drivers for the U.S. economy and also the front line for facilitating legitimate trade and travel while preventing unauthorized entry and contraband from crossing the border. Along the nearly 2,000-mile border with Mexico, U.S. Customs and Border Protection carry out this mission in 42 land ports of entry located in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. While significant investments in the border have been made in recent years, including the opening of three new crossings in 2010, more is demanded. Staffing at our land ports of entry have been severely overlooked, compromising our national and economic security. While a necessary buildup of border enforcement has occurred over the last 10 years, that proportional increase and attention to customs and ports of entry has not occurred.…”