110 HCON 218 IH: Expressing the sense of Congress regarding U.S. House of Representatives 2007-09-24 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 110th CONGRESS 1st Session H. CON. RES. 218 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 24, 2007 Mr. Barrett of South Carolina submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of Congress regarding United States immigration and border security laws.

Whereas, since 1996, Congress has passed and the Executive Branch has enacted several laws related to border security and immigration reform; Whereas many of these laws have required substantial increases to employ more Border Patrol agents, including the objective of having 18,000 Border Patrol agents on payroll by the end of December 2008; Whereas increasing the number of Border Patrol agents will not only reduce the number of illegal crossings at the border but will also enhance United States national security; Whereas strengthening United States national security includes constructing and complying with the Secure Fence Act of 2006, by building 850 miles of fencing along the southern border with Mexico; Whereas the Secretary of Homeland Security is required to submit to Congress a report by October 26, 2007, on the progress made toward achieving and maintaining operational control over the international border; Whereas the program authorized under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act provides the legal authority for State and local law enforcement to investigate, detain, and arrest aliens who have violated existing United States law; and Whereas greater participation in the section 287(g) program will help clarify the distinction between Federal responsibility and local responsibility: Now, therefore, be it

That it is the Sense of the Congress that— (1)Congress should verify that current immigration and border security laws are enforced; (2)the Secretary of Homeland Security should ensure that construction of the border fence is expedited and use existing authority provided in the REAL ID Act to waive any legal requirements needed for construction of such border fencing; (3)the report required by the Secretary should include recommendations that would enhance United States national security on the northern border and emphasize the Administration’s commitment to protecting both the southern and northern borders with Mexico and Canada; (4)Congress and the Administration should expand the program authorized under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, including by providing the appropriate funds and flexibility for State and local governments to use; (5)construction of the fence along the southern border should not be delayed; (6)Congress should fully fund the 18,000 Border Patrol agents as authorized under current law; and (7)State and law enforcement should be provided the necessary resources to prosecute those individuals who disregard United States immigration laws.