Max Baucus: “the modification to the amendment I offered is including the phrase, ``working expeditiously with the Administrator of…”

“the modification to the amendment I offered is including the phrase, ``working expeditiously with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.'' The purpose is to make sure that the Department of Homeland Security's efforts in operating the pilot program along the northern border is one that can work with the FAA because the FAA will probably have to give clearance for air traffic taking off. In addition, the FAA will need to, it is my understanding, offer a waiver for these types of aircraft as they have at the southern border. It is my hope, in working with Senator Burns, that this will clear up potential problems that may arise. I urge adoption of the amendment. I have already spoken about this and why I think it is important. The efforts on the southern border are to combat illegal immigration, and on the northern border they are more to combat terrorism. There are many more reports of potential terrorist casing and transporting of people into the United States from the northern border. It is becoming quite alarming. It is our hope that this will help control the northern border and help with the additional personnel really needed on the northern border. We don't have that personnel. I think this will help make our country more secure. I thank my colleague from Montana, Senator Burns, for making this suggestion. This is a good suggestion. It will strengthen this amendment. I hope it will be agreed to.”