Ted Poe: “For years, cries for help coming from those on the front lines of the Rio Grande have fallen on deaf ears in Washington.…”

“For years, cries for help coming from those on the front lines of the Rio Grande have fallen on deaf ears in Washington. I have traveled to the southern border many times in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Law enforcement and citizens do the best they can with what they have got, but they are outmanned, outgunned, and outfinanced by the drug cartels and other devious actors trying to enter the United States. The Federal Government has been negligent for too long, but there is a new sheriff in town, and President Trump has promised that help is on the way. He wants to build a wall. Mr. Speaker, I believe that effective border security requires a comprehensive strategy that includes not only physical barriers in places but also increased use of technology, more boots on the ground, and more boats in the Rio Grande. The United States has amazing capabilities like aerial drones, aerostats, and seismic technology to detect crossers. Let's use and do everything to secure the Nation. The Commander in Chief is right when he indicates border security is a matter of national security. And that is just the way it is. ____________________”