John Ensign: “in the decade before 9/11, al Qaeda studied how to exploit gaps and weaknesses in the borders of the United States. A…”

“in the decade before 9/11, al Qaeda studied how to exploit gaps and weaknesses in the borders of the United States. A few months ago, intelligence officials confirmed that the terrorist Zarqawi plans to infiltrate America through our borders. He plans to attack targets such as movie theaters, restaurants, and schools. A year-long investigation recently concluded with authorities arresting 18 people who planned to smuggle grenade launchers, shoulder- fired missiles, and other Russian military weapons into our country. Let's face it--the dual threat of illegal border crossing by people who wish to kill us and the weapons they need to do it is very real. We are not dealing with rational people. We are not dealing with people who respect life or freedom. It would be irresponsible to sit idly by and not treat these threats seriously. We must continue to be diligent in our fight to defeat terror and protect our homeland. Before 9/11, INS had only 9,800 border patrol agents. With the agency focused on immigration and narcotics, no major counterterrorism effort was underway. More than 3 years after the devastating terrorist attacks, the men and women who serve on the border's frontline of defense are still overwhelmed. The Commissioner of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection has admitted they need more agents. Our agents catch only about one-third of the estimated 3 million people who cross the border illegally each year.…”