The Senate passed a border security bill on Thursday. Only two Democrats were within the session while the Senate is on its August vacation. 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.
Border security bill creates 1,500 jobs
The Senate convened a special session Thursday to pass the border security bill. 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 that 1,000 new Border Patrol agents, 250 more Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and 250 more Customs and Border Protection officers are among the border security jobs funded by the bill. It also funds new communications equipment and greater use of unmanned surveillance drones. 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.
United States visa program pays for the bill
The border security bill is election year theatre both parties both parties hope convince voters the Washington is capable of addressing border security within the wake of Arizona’s immigration law. The Los Angeles Times reports that boosted fees on businesses that hire foreign workers legally through Americas visa programs will pay for the $ 600 million bill. Immigration advocates have denounced the package as an election year stunt that will do little to address the complex troubles of illegal immigration. The politicians say securing the border first will allow a broader debate on immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants.
Results from a rare special session
The Senate Historical Office said the Senate has called a special session during summer break only one other time since the August trip was established in 1970. The New York Times reports that Charles E. Schumer of New York and Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland, both Democrats, were the only senators present. The border security bill had already been passed by the House and Senate. But a re-vote was unavoidable after one of the Senate’s byzantine procedural rules was overlooked. 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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