The Homeland Security Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee held a hearing on “Border Security Programs and Operations – Challenges and Priorities.”
Both Chairman David Price (D-NC) and Ranking Member Harold Rogers (R-KY) expressed great interest on the part of the Subcommittee in ensuring that Congressional objectives are attained. The Congress has directed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to investigate non-fence options involving biometric and sensor technology and use them in place of traditional methods whenever possible. Such has been the decision in Laredo, Texas, where sensors, cameras, and patrols have been chosen rather than a fence; this policy is intended to cut costs and prove more effective and efficient.
Rogers said there “are no more excuses” as the agencies involved have received adequate funding and a national mandate from Congress and the people to proceed with closing the border. He quoted DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff as saying the northern border is a greater security threat than the southern, as more Al Qaida related individuals have been intercepted there
Greg Giddens, Executive Director of the Secure Border Initiative, said his organization is on track to achieve the Congressional goal of 670 miles of fence on southern border, despite setbacks and delays. Landowners on the southern border must allow entry to federal agencies for surveying and construction purposes. 77 out of 400 such landowners have not permitted such access. However, this group comprises only 22 miles of border.
Ciro Rodriguez (D-TX) stated that a border fence is only as good as the time it takes to get over it. If the fence takes 10 minutes to cross, those 10 minutes are what a border patrol gets to intercept violators.
In general, the hearing portrayed confidence in the ultimate success of these programs.
