Udall-backed Border Security Bill Passes Senate
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Mark Udall announced that the Senate has passed border-security legislation, which he co-sponsored. The Emergency Border Security Supplemental Appropriations Act will provide targeted funding - without adding to the deficit - to hire 1,500 additional Customs and Border Protection agents, and supply additional technology and resources to target criminal activity on the Southwest border.
The bill, which was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this week, now goes to the President to be signed into law.
"While this bill isn't a substitute for immigration reform, I'm pleased that the Senate took an important step to maintain control of our borders and ports of entry. This bill targets resources at fighting the most dangerous criminals, including human traffickers and those who attempt to smuggle weapons, drugs and money across our borders - and it does so without adding to our deficit.
"But, while I was pleased to co-sponsor this bill, it's critical that Congress realize that crime at the border is part of a larger crisis in our immigration system. We won't get control of our borders without comprehensive immigration reform. I've fought for years for a comprehensive solution, and I'll continue to work with members of both parties to build support for a bill that upholds our American values, secures the border, is tough on lawbreakers and fair to taxpayers."