[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 43 (Thursday, March 18, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S2976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     DRUG FREE BORDERS ACT OF 1999

 Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I rise in support of the Drug Free 
Borders Act of 1999, of which I am an original cosponsor. This 
legislation, identical to S. 1787 from the 105th Congress, authorizes 
funding for advanced sensing equipment for detecting illegal drugs 
before they can cross our border and emerge on the streets of America's 
cities. I would like to commend my good friend, Senator Phil Gramm, for 
once again taking the lead in introducing the Drug Free Borders Act 
during the 106th Congress.
  Those of us who represent States bordering Mexico are particularly 
sensitive to the dangers implicit in failing to properly monitor 
traffic crossing that border. Yet, we also recognize that Mexico is one 
of our largest trading partners, and a country with which it is in our 
best interest to maintain as open a border as possible. It is a careful 
balancing act, but one that merits our greatest efforts.
  While the effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement are 
being closely monitored by supporters and critics of that pact alike, 
it has become clear that NAFTA represents an important component of our 
international economic policy, contributing to the creation of 300,000 
new American jobs since its passage. The agreement only went into 
effect in 1994, and it will likely be several more years before its 
full impact can be determined. The results from the first five years, 
however, unambiguously demonstrate that the agreement has a net 
positive impact on the U.S. economy.
  But this bill is not about trade, it is about drugs, and about the 
measures that must be taken to ensure that we are doing everything we 
can to stem the flow of illegal drugs into our cities without impeding 
the flow of legitimate commerce. The key to finding that balance is the 
procurement of the equipment needed to expeditiously scan incoming 
cargo, not just on the U.S.-Mexican border, but at our other ports of 
entry as well--and I should point out the emphasis in this bill on your 
maritime ports of entry. The Drug Free Borders Act of 1999 represents 
an important and substantive step in that direction. Authorizing over 
$1 billion to beef-up Customs Department operations along our borders 
with Mexico and Canada, as well as at the maritime ports of entry, this 
legislation is a sound, responsible approach to enhancing this 
country's capabilities to interdict the flow of drugs before they reach 
our children.
  Mr. President, I urge the support of all of my colleagues for the 
Drug Free Borders Act of 1999. This bill passed both Chambers of 
Congress last year, but fell victim to the vagaries of time, as the 
105th Congress adjourned while the bill was still in conference. Its 
passage by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, however, 
clearly illustrates its broad bipartisan support, and I look forward to 
its passage into law during the current session of Congress.

                          ____________________