Rubén Hinojosa: “I rise in support of H.R. 3129, the Customs Border Security Act of 2001. As a Member representing a border community, I…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 3129, the Customs Border Security Act of 2001. As a Member representing a border community, I am pleased that Congress is taking action to improve the security of our borders. The customs officials and inspectors who work along the U.S.-Mexico border are hardworking, dedicated people, who do an outstanding job with very limited resources. For too many years they have been short staffed and have worked long hours of overtime to keep our ports open. This bill will authorize funding to hire additional personnel and to upgrade detection and inspection equipment. This new equipment and personnel will make it easier for customs officials to stop illegal drug trafficking and improve our anti-terrorism capabilities. At the same time, it will help keep trade, the lifeblood of border communities, moving efficiently through our ports.”