The Senate passed a border security bill on Thursday. The Senate, on its August getaway, had only two Democrats present to deal with the vote. The bill’s $ 600 million price pays for more equipment and more agents to secure the U.S border with Mexico. The federal government has been pressured by border states struggling with drug trafficking and illegal immigration to do something about border security.
1,500 border security jobs funded by bill
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 jobs created by the bill include 250 more Customs and Border Protection officers, 250 more Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and 1,000 new Border Patrol agents. It also funds new communications equipment and greater use of unmanned surveillance drones. The Justice Department will receive about one-third of the money to help the FBI, DEA and ATF come down on human traffickers and drug dealers.
U.S. visa program pays for the bill
For politicians trying to impress voters with their border security creed in the aftermath of Arizona’s immigration law, the border security bill is election year theatre. The Los Angeles Times reports the $ 600 million price tag of the border security bill could be paid for by substantially boosting fees on companies that hire foreign workers using U.S visa programs. Immigration advocates have denounced the package as an election year stunt that will do little to address the complex troubles of illegal immigration. When the border is secured a broader debate on immigration reform will ensue, politicians say, that will include a means to achieve citizenship for about 11 million illegal immigrants.
Special session is a special occasion
The Senate Historical Office said that the Senate has called a special session during summer break only one other time since the August escape 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 violation of the senate’s arcane procedural rules required a do-over. 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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