Hal Rogers: “Mr. Chairman, if we can't control who crosses our Nation's border, all other possible immigration initiatives will fail.…”

“Mr. Chairman, if we can't control who crosses our Nation's border, all other possible immigration initiatives will fail. Now, the gentleman's amendment prevents the undue delay of urgently needed border security. It still maintains the flexibility to use any and all tools to protect the border and secure the border, like fencing, vehicle barriers, and technology; but it takes away all of the strings and conditions upon which the money was appropriated to build the fence. How many times does Congress have to say to the Department, build the fence? The money's here. Take these strings and conditions away from this project. That's what it was designed and financed for and authorized by the Congress. Now, DHS should absolutely be consulting with the mayors and the local officials; and they are, very vigorously. They spend hours and hours meeting and talking with the local communities. They're doing that with vigor. This amendment also removes the possibilities of frivolous litigation. This bill invites frivolous litigation. This amendment would strike that frivolous language. I'm supportive of the funding levels and planning requirements in this bill for border security and immigration enforcement. I've maintained that onerous restrictions for fencing and tactical infrastructure are contrary to our homeland security needs.”