Filemon Vela

I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time. H.R. 4577 will jump-start conversations on how to increase the supply of canines and better integrate them in the TSA's layered security at airports and surface…

CBP faces serious challenges in recruiting and maintaining a professional work force to accomplish its mission, and these challenges are only getting worse.

However, CBP and U.S. Coast Guard officials have testified before this subcommittee time and time again that the solutions to these threats are broader than simply using physical barriers.

Data also shows that people on the terrorist watch list are encountered by CBP along our Northern Border significantly more frequently than along our Southern Border.

The capability gaps identified in this DHS report would in no way be acceptable or tolerable had they been found along our Southwest Border.

I am concerned that, over the last decade, resources have been disproportionately focused on the Southern Border at the expense of the Northern Border.

I have no further speakers, and I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2213, the Anti-Border Corruption Reauthorization Act of 2017, aims to bring some relief to the tremendous staffing shortages at our ports of entry by…

I continue to reserve the balance of my time. Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).

While the White House focuses its border security rhetoric on building a wall along the Southern Border, attention and resources should be paid to issues like overstays.

Those of us who represent congressional districts on the U.S.-Mexico border know first-hand the essential role several agencies within the Department of Homeland Security play in securing America's borders and facilitating legitimate trade…

I forcefully reject the idea of building a wall along the Southern Border.

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: At the end of title I, add the following: SEC. __. CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS. (a) Release.--As soon as…

I thank the chairman, ranking member, Representative Farenthold, the Army Corps, and the committee staff for their work on this amendment. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting…

I used to get really frustrated having to go through the checkpoint, because to me it didn't make sense that I, as an American citizen born in Brownsville, would have to be asked whether or not I was a citizen 2 hours north.

Deploying biometric exit at ports of entry and addressing overstays is no easy task but it is a necessary part of ensuring meaningful border security.

I think we need to have a much more robust approach around the country with respect to educating our veterans about the availability of these jobs.

Last year, President Obama signed a bill I authored, the Border Jobs for Veterans Act.

As a Member representing a border district, I understand and have seen first-hand the importance of maintaining infrastructure and adequate staffing at our ports of entry.

When SpaceX begins its operations in Cameron County in early 2017, it is estimated that we will attract upwards of 15,000 visitors per launch creating a South Texas Space Corridor similar to Cape Canaveral.

Closing U.S. consulates in Mexico will simply destabilize the region making our borders less safe.

We must ensure that Mexico is doing everything it can to root out the corruption that plagues law enforcement and civil institutions in order to effectively combat drug cartels.

Our diplomatic relationship with Mexico is a critical tool for stabilizing the region.

The security and prosperity of my district and so many communities like it depends in part on security and prosperity across the border.

Unfortunately, there is growing concern that the VWP could be exploited by terrorists.

I agree, Chairman Miller, that this issue is one that has bipartisan support, because we all know how important it is to protect our country against terrorism.