Jeff Bingaman: “this amendment is aimed at providing needed assistance to law enforcement agencies to address the problem of criminal…”

“this amendment is aimed at providing needed assistance to law enforcement agencies to address the problem of criminal activity along our Nation's borders. The legislation is cosponsored by myself, Senator Domenici, Senator Hutchison, and Senator Cornyn. It has passed the Senate on two previous occasions, including last year as part of the Senate's 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Specifically, the amendment establishes a competitive grant program within the Department of Homeland Security to help local law enforcement that is situated along our borders to cover some of the costs they incur as a result of having to deal with illegal immigration, with drug trafficking, with stolen vehicles, and with other border-related crimes. The amendment authorizes $50 million a year to enable law enforcement within 100 miles of the border to hire additional personnel and obtain the equipment and cover the overtime and transportation costs they incur in these activities.”