[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 64 (Tuesday, May 19, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          THE BORDER PROTECTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE ACT OF 1998

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                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 1998

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
applaud Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) for his ongoing efforts to 
curb the importation of illegal drugs at our Southwestern border. Last 
week Congressman Hunter introduced the Border Protection and 
Infrastructure Act of 1998, an initiative that provides vital support 
along specific points of our border with Mexico.
  This legislation falls in line with our recently launched plan for 
winning the war on drugs: decreasing demand, stopping supply, 
increasing accountability. Stopping supply hits close to home in my 
district, which lies just north of the San Diego border with Mexico. 
Nearly 70% of the nation's illegal drug supply comes across the borders 
in our region.
  Congressman Hunter's bill authorizes the construction of multi-
barrier fencing at high-traffic corridors, including San Diego. The 
areas outlined in this legislation are generally stretches of border 
that have urban areas on either side and lack natural obstacles, making 
them ideal locations of smuggling drugs. Multiple barrier fencing has 
proved to be an effective tool in the battle against the importation of 
illicit substances. After the construction of fencing began in San 
Diego in 1991, cocaine interdiction increased by 1000% and murders 
along this border are now virtually non-existent.
  I am pleased to join Congressman Hunter in his effort to prevent 
illegal drug abuse by assuring that these substances never find their 
way into our country. Mr. Speaker, stopping supply is a key battle in 
the war on drugs. I urge my colleagues to support the Border Protection 
and Infrastructure Act of 1998.

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