[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 116 (Friday, September 5, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H6923]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE UNITED STATES BORDER PATROL DESERVE BETTER

  (Mr. REYES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support and defense of the 
hard-working men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol. Regrettably, last 
night on this floor the integrity, professionalism, dedication, and the 
ability of these fine men and women was attacked.
  Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate that some in this institution would 
resort to these kinds of tactics for the sole purpose of political 
agendas and ends-justify-the-means mentality that question the 
outstanding and dangerous work being done by our Border Patrol agents.
  The men and women that comprise our Border Patrol represent the best 
that this country has to offer, men and women of every description and 
background, men and women that come from every State in this country 
and have dedicated themselves to the dangerous job of Federal law 
enforcement, and while some in this people's House may not appreciate 
this, I do, and, Mr. Speaker, I speak from personal experience that 
spans 26\1/2\ years. I know how tough their job is, I know how 
dangerous their job is, and I know how important their job is because I 
have been there, I have seen it and I have done it.
  Those who attack their integrity, their dedication, and their 
commitment are not only wrong but undermine the morale of a fine 
agency. The men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol deserve better, the 
people of this country expect better, and, frankly, those in this 
institution that attack them know better.
  Mr. Speaker, all of us need to support the U.S. Border Patrol.

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