[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 65 (Wednesday, May 20, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         DRUG FREE BORDERS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 1998

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to salute all of my 
colleagues who joined me last night in supporting the Drug Free Borders 
Act. I would especially like to commend Congressman Philip Crane (R-IL) 
for his leadership in introducing this legislation and following 
through with its rapid progression.
  The Drug Free Borders Act plays an important role in our renewed 
efforts to win the War on Drugs by authorizing an additional $233 
million for the U.S. Customs Service. This legislation also calls for 
1,745 more Customs inspectors and special agents, as well as new drug-
screening technologies to assist in existing interdiction efforts.
  As a resident of the Southern California region bordering Mexico, I 
am well-aware of the issues that surround the importation of narcotics. 
As the Congressional Representative for the 48th District of 
California, I know that our efforts are best directed at strengthening 
the security at our ports of entry in order to curb this disturbing 
practice.
  Mr. Speaker, yesterday's passage of the Drug Free Borders Act is one 
more sign of this Congress' commitment to winning the War on Drugs. I 
applaud my colleagues and urge them to persist with this battle.

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