Border Security Bill Passes While Senators Are On Trip
A border security bill passed the Senate Thursday and headed for the president’s signature. Only two Democrats were in the session when the Senate is on its August escape. The bill’s $ 600 million price pays for more equipment and more agents to secure the U.S border with Mexico. Illegal immigration and drug trafficking troubles in border states have put pressure on the federal government to take meaningful action on border security. Source of article – Border security bill passes when senators are on getaway by Personal Money Store.
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 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. 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 within the fight against drug dealers and human traffickers.
Bill penalizes law-abiding companies
The border security bill is election year theatre both parties both parties hope convince voters the Washington is capable of addressing border security in the wake of Arizona’s immigration law. To pay for the $ 600 million dollar bill, the Los Angeles Times reports that fees will be substantially hiked on corporations that use U.S. 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. The politicians say securing the border first will allow a broader debate on immigration reform that contains a path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants.
Special session a rare occurrence
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 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. Nevertheless, an overlooked rule in the Senate’s arcane procedures forced a re-vote. The first and only other time the Senate convened during the August break was a special session within the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
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