|
September 30, 2004 |
||
|
BONILLA CONTINUES FIGHT FOR |
||
| WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Homeland Security recently selected Artesia, NM as the new Border Patrol Headquarters, but Congressman Henry Bonilla is not ready to stop the fight for Del Rio. “I’m sincerely concerned with the Department of Homeland Security’s decision process. I do not think Del Rio was given a fair shot and I’m going to continue fighting for a Del Rio Training Facility,” said Bonilla. Bonilla authored a letter this week to the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General (IG) urging an investigation into the Department’s decision making process. In his letter to IG Clark Ervin, Bonilla cites that adequate considerations was not given to other locations where government owned facilities were available, such as Del Rio. “The decision by the Department of Homeland Security to move the training of new Border Patrol agents to Artesia, NM appears to have been arbitrary in nature and it circumvented congressional oversight. We respectfully request that you investigate this matter,” said Bonilla in the letter. Last year, Bonilla called on the Department of Homeland Security to move the Border Patrol Training Facility to Del Rio. In his letter to Asa Hutchison, Under Secretary of Border Transportation Security, Bonilla emphasized the benefits of moving the Academy from Georgia to Del Rio. “We urge you to consider opening a Border Patrol Training Academy in Del Rio,Texas,” said Bonilla in the 2003 letter. “With the significant investment in time and tax-payer money that training an agent costs, we feel that it is necessary to give these men and women fair exposure to the area in which much of their careers will take place. This way, while trainees learn how to perform their duties, they will also be adjusting to the environment and assimilating into the culture of the region.” Bonilla’s letter was co-signed by more than 14 members of Texas’ Congressional delegation including Majority Leader Tom Delay (R-Houston). The members agree that moving the training to Del Rio would help prepare trainees and also save tax-payer money. “The men and women of our Border Patrol deserve to be recognized for their tremendous contributions. These agents keep our borders safe and strong. We cannot – and should not – underestimate their importance,” said Bonilla. Bonilla is a long-time advocate of the Border Patrol. He has represented Del Rio since his first election to Congress in 1992. He is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and is chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. |
