Jeff Bingaman: “this amendment is the Border Law Enforcement Relief Act which I have introduced before, along with Senators Domenici…”

“this amendment is the Border Law Enforcement Relief Act which I have introduced before, along with Senators Domenici, Cornyn, and Hutchison. I offer this amendment on behalf of all of us again. It provides local law enforcement agencies in border communities with much-needed assistance in combatting border- related criminal activity. During the debate on the immigration bill, this same legislation was proposed and agreed to by the Senate with a vote of 84 in favor and 6 against. For far too long, law enforcement agencies that operate along the border have had to incur significant costs due to the inability of the Federal Government to secure our Nation's borders. It is time the Federal Government recognize that border communities should not have to bear that burden alone. Specifically, the amendment establishes a competitive grant program within the Department of Homeland Security to help local law enforcement agencies that are situated along the borders cover some of the costs they incur as a result of dealing with illegal immigration, drug trafficking, stolen vehicles, and other border-related crimes. The amendment authorizes $50 million a year and enables law enforcement within 100 miles of the border to hire additional personnel, to obtain necessary equipment, and to cover the cost of overtime and transportation costs.…”