The border security bill cleared the Senate on Thursday. The Senate, on its August escape, had only two Democrats present to deal with the vote. The $ 600 million border security bill aims to put more agents and surveillance equipment along the U.S./Mexico border. The federal government has been pressured by border states struggling with drug trafficking and illegal immigration to do something about border security.
1,500 jobs in border security bill
The border security bill was passed in a special session convened by the Senate Thursday. Unanimous consent, a parliamentary procedure that does not require the entire Senate to be present, was used to pass the bill. In a rare moment of consensus, Republicans agreed to go along. The Associated Press reports the bill funds U.S./Mexico border security jobs for 1,000 new Border Patrol agents, 250 more Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and 250 more Customs and Border Protection officers. Updated communications equipment and more surveillance drone flights are also funded. The bill sends about $ 200 million to the Justice Department for funding its efforts with the FBI, DEA and ATF in the fight against drug dealers and human traffickers.
Bill penalizes law-abiding companies
For politicians trying to win over voters with their border security creed within the aftermath of Arizona’s immigration law, the border security bill is election year theatre. To pay for the $ 600 million dollar bill, the Los Angeles Times reports that fees could be substantially hiked on businesses that use United States visa programs to hire foreign workers legally. The package will do little to address the complex issue of illegal immigration, say immigration advocates who denounce it as an election year stunt. When the border is secured a broader debate on immigration reform will ensue, politicians say, that will contain a means to achieve citizenship for about 11 million illegal immigrants.
Rare special session gets results
The Senate convened during its summer vacation for only the second time since the August break was institutionalized in 1970, the Senate Historical Office said. The New York Times reported that Democrats Charles E. Schumer of New York and Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland were the only lawmakers in attendance. The border security bill had already been passed by the House and Senate. However, an overlooked rule in the Senate’s arcane procedures forced a re-vote. The only other time the Senate unexpectedly reconvened during the summer recess was after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
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Associated Press
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Los Angeles Times
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New York Times
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