Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) checks in live from the Arizona-Mexico border where he explains that if the U.S. is serious about securing its southern border, it must get to work on a concrete border fence. King says that vehicle barriers currently being used at the border aren’t keeping illegal immigrants from crossing into the United States. The Congressman adds that a fence made of concrete, not steel, is the way to go because it would be harder to breach and wouldn’t cost more to build. (:37)

 

 Standard Podcast [0:37m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) checks in live from the Arizona-Mexico border where he says DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano should understand the issue of illegal immigration, having been Governor of a border state. However, says King, Napolitano has her hands tied in terms of enforcing immigration laws because her boss, President Obama, doesn’t support cracking down on illegals. (:28)

 

 Standard Podcast [0:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano discusses a recently enhanced plan to strengthen the cooperation between Mexico and the U.S. in policing the border. Napolitano goes on to explain that this focus on cooperation will result in a South-bound law enforcement strategy and greater data sharing among agencies. (0:46)

 

 Standard Podcast [0:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano discusses the accomplishments of the 2007 Bilateral Strategic Plan designed to promote cooperation between Mexico and the U.S on border security. Napolitano also explains how Monday’s extension of the 2007 initiative is expected to allow for more inspections and more use of technology during customs control. (0:46)

 

 Standard Podcast [0:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

By Celia Canon

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Mexican Finance Minister Agustin Carstens signed a letter of intent announcing new areas of cooperation on the U.S-Mexican border during a press conference Monday at the Ronald Reagan Center.

In 2007, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) along with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had agreed upon a bilateral program that allowed Mexico and the U.S to join forces in order to safeguard trade and combat illegal activity at the border.

Today’s announcement boosted the 2007 Bilateral Strategic Plan by updating agencies’ technology, training Mexican officers for Border Patrol service, and preventing criminals from entering Mexico.

Napolitano praised the extension, saying “The U.S is a full partner with Mexico and the Calderon administration as we satisfy our twin goals of a secure border and a resilient border that allows legitimate trade and commerce to pass but that keeps out drugs, that keeps out weapons, keeps out the cash that fuels these cartels and… makes certain that the border is safe and secure for those who live there.”

Carstens reflected on the importance of this fundamental cooperation for the completion of both Mexican and American interests.

“We both acknowledge that…our joint efforts will translate into more secure and competitive North America,” said Carstens.

The 2007 initiative has already been met with considerable success.

“We have seized [three times] the amount of arms, we’ve seized 50% more drugs,” said Napolitano.

by Christina Lovato, University of New Mexico

Today, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said that the United States, Mexico and Canada all rely on trade but with the increase in illegal immigration and drug and weapon trafficking, it is time for more modern and safe border security. Napolitano said that we need to recognize that there are “actual” borders, north and south, not “metaphorical” borders. (00:45)

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Washington Bureau will cover an Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on “Accountability Lapses in Multiple Funds for Iraq,” a subcommittee of the House Judiciary Hearing on “Retail Price of Gas and Competition in the Oil Industry,” and a subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee on “The Border Security Challenge: Recent Developments and Legislative Proposals.” A correspondent will also cover a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing on “Seniors at Risk: Improving Medicare for Our Most Vulnerable.” Later, the Washington Bureau will cover a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and House Financial Services Committee joint hearing on how the mortgage crisis afflicts neighborhoods, as well as a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on how to provide legal assistance to low-income Americans.

Pentagon Correspondent Meredith MacKenzie will attend a pen and pad briefing with the Senate Leadership, including Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), as well as a press conference with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

Correspondent Dawn Jones will cover a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the nominations of Gen. David Petraeus “for reappointment to the grade of general and to be commander of the United States Central Command,” and Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno “for appointment to the grade of general and to be commander of the Multi-National Force-Iraq.”