[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 157 (Sunday, November 9, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S12401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       PROTECTION OF U.S. BORDERS

 Mr. GRAMM. Mr. President, when we convene for the second 
session of the 105th Congress, I will introduce legislation which will 
authorize the U.S. Customs Service to acquire the necessary personnel 
and technology to execute their duties at our international borders 
with Mexico and Canada. Specifically, my proposal is designed to reduce 
delays at border crossings to not more than 20 minutes, while 
maintaining--in fact, strengthening--our commitment to interdict 
illegal narcotics and other contraband.
  In working with local officials, businesses, the Border Trade 
Alliance, and several of my colleagues, it has become evident that the 
best way to accomplish these objectives is to increase Customs staffing 
and provide the technological resources that can give them the best 
chance at accomplishing their mission. Customs staffing needs to be 
increased significantly to facilitate the flow of substantially 
increased traffic on both the Southwestern and Northern borders. The 
practical effect of these personnel increases will be to open all the 
existing primary inspection lanes where congestion is a problem during 
peak hours and enhance investigative resources on the Southwest border.
  I am very concerned about the impact on Texas and the Nation of 
narcotics trafficking and have worked closely with Federal and State 
law enforcement officials to identify and secure the necessary 
resources to battle the onslaught of illegal drugs. At the same time, 
however, our current enforcement strategy--which is burdened by 
insufficient staffing and a virtual absence of vital interdiction 
technology--is effectively closing the door to legitimate trade.
  Long traffic lines at our international crossings serve no useful 
purpose and are counterproductive to improving our trade relationship 
with Mexico. At a time when NAFTA and the expanding world marketplace 
are making it possible for us to create more commerce, freedom, and 
opportunity for people on both sides of the border, it is important 
that we eliminate the border crossing delays that are stifling these 
goals.
  My bill will be designed to shorten those lines and promote 
legitimate commerce, while providing the Customs Service with the means 
necessary to eliminate the drug trafficking operations that are now 
rampant along the 1,200-mile border that my State shares with Mexico. I 
will be speaking further to my colleagues about this initiative and 
urge their support for the bill.

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