Washington, DC, Jun 12, 2007 -

U.S. Representative John Carter (TX-31) today will introduce an Amendment to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act that would expedite the building of a fence along the United States’ southern border. The Carter Amendment removes bureaucratic and environmental obstacles and funding restrictions to the construction of a fence or tactical infrastructure.

“Illegal immigrants are entering our country in increasing numbers because our border is not secure. We need to get this fence built to change that. The people of Texas and the people of American want this fence up,” said Congressman Carter. “There is no reason for this holdup; Congress authorized this fence to be built, and it’s not getting done. This Amendment will ensure that DHS doesn’t have to jump through hoops to get this fence built.”

The Appropriations bill includes three provisions that appear to be good oversight, but in reality are bureaucratic roadblocks that effectively kill construction of fencing and border infrastructure. The Carter Amendment would eliminate these bureaucratic roadblocks designed to thwart fence construction, but still require good government sunshine and oversight of the process while taking much-needed steps to secure the border while protecting local and environmental values.

• Removes the funding restriction on the requirement of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to coordinate with the Department of the Interior (DOI) to minimize impact on wildlife and natural resources. The Carter Amendment directs DHS to continue coordinating with DOI, but does not withhold funding;
• Changes the requirement on DHS to solicit “advice and support” from State and local communities. The Carter Amendment directs DHS to solicit “input” from state and local communities and removes the funding restriction on this provision; and
• Removes the funding restriction on DHS requiring DHS to publish in the Federal Register when the Secretary uses his environmental waiver authority, and then no funds will be used for 15 days after it is published. The Carter Amendment still requires DHS to publish when the waiver is used, but removes the 15-day funding restriction.

The Secure Fence Act of 2006 passed 283-138 with bipartisan support and the Congress also provided for $1.2 billion for fence construction in the FY2007 DHS Appropriations bill. A vote on the Carter Amendment is expected later today when the House votes on all Amendments to the Homeland Security spending bill.