Jim Inhofe: “after visiting our southern border countless times, most recently in August when I toured the Mexican side of the border…”

“after visiting our southern border countless times, most recently in August when I toured the Mexican side of the border with their deployed National Guard units, I know that we face a dire situation that is only improving because of the aggressive action taken by President Trump. As he and I both know, more needs to be done. Securing our border is vital to national security. In our discussions with the Mexican Government following my recent trip, they expressed strong support for doing work on their southern border to stem the tide of illegal immigrants from other nations in Central America. Accordingly, I am proud to introduce the Mirador- Calakmul Basin Maya Security & Conservation Partnership Act, which will provide critical resources to the region to supplement the efforts made by the Government of Mexico to secure its own southern border. These resources will be critical because increased insecurity and lack of economic opportunity in this region are drivers of emigration from Guatemala and Mexico to the United States as local communities face pressure to participate in deforestation, logging, narcotics trafficking and other illicit activities. It is in the best interest for the national security of the United States to support political stability, reduced migration, reduction of poverty, and enhanced economic development around the basin in Guatemala and Mexico.…”