Sara Jacobs: “Unauthorized entry on a military defense installation property or National Defense Area is already illegal under Federal…”

“Unauthorized entry on a military defense installation property or National Defense Area is already illegal under Federal law, and there is no need to make it a felony. This is something that actually happens all the time in San Diego because our military bases are literally right in the middle of neighborhoods, and to be honest, there is not great signage. In fact, many military bases do not have obvious or well-marked perimeters, especially in rural or desert areas. This provision would apply to DOD properties such as military housing and areas and ranges that don't have a traditional gate and often are not completely fenced off. This means that someone who is hiking or off-road driving in the vicinity of range property could find themselves in violation. On top of that, Madam Chairman, since President Trump approved the land transfer to DOD, most of the southern border is now considered an installation, making it even harder to distinguish if you are on a military base or not. We shouldn't punish people who accidentally make a wrong turn, tourists who get lost, or anyone who follows bad GPS directions with a felony charge that can result in prison time, a loss of voting rights, and barriers to employment, housing, and education.”