[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 96 (Thursday, June 26, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8757-S8758]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. BOXER:
  S. 1362. A bill to authorize the Port Passenger Accelerated Service 
System (Port PASS) as a permanent program for land border inspection 
under the Immigration and Nationality Act, and for other purposes; to 
the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today, I am introducing legislation that 
will strengthen national security, promote commerce, and provide 
assistance to our dedicated agents at the border.
  Thousands of San Diego and Tijuana residents cross the border every 
day as commuters, shoppers, or visitors. Unfortunately, our border 
infrastructure has not kept pace with the increasing

[[Page S8758]]

traffic volume, and travelers frequently encounter delays and 
congestion at the border.
  The tragic events of September 11 further intensified these 
challenges along the border. Increased security measures severely over-
extended inspection resources and resulted in longer waiting times for 
crossing the border.
  The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers' Rapid Inspection, 
SENTRI, program was created to help alleviate the congestion at the 
border.
  SENTRI is a dedicated commuter lane program. It allows pre-screened 
travelers to move quickly through the inspection process at the United 
States-Mexican border. After participants pass a background check, they 
can move more quickly through a dedicated lane.
  SENTRI accepts only travelers who pass both an extensive background 
check to verify their eligibility and a thorough inspection of their 
vehicle.
  Delays at crossing the border were often an hour or more prior to 
SENTRI But, with the program, the delays for participants are 5 to 15 
minutes. Travelers in other lanes also benefit because the prescreened 
SENTRI crossers move swiftly through the border, reducing the number of 
motorists using general commuter lanes.
  Expediting inspections through SENTRI is actually helping to improve 
border security, as Customs and Border Patrol agents can focus more 
attention on nonscreened drivers and passengers.
  Unfortunately, SENTRI has become a victim of its own success. SENTRI 
needs a greater investment of resources to keep up with the current and 
future demand. Enrollment increased by more than 100 percent after 
September 11. Currently, prospective applicants must wait approximately 
8 months to participate in the program.
  For innovative programs, such as SENTRI, to work, we must provide 
them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. This is why I 
am introducing the Secure and Fast Entry at the Border Act or SAFE 
Border Act.
  The SAFE Border Act recognizes the contribution of SENTRI to border 
security and the agents who administer the program. My bill would 
extend the length of a SENTRI pass from 1 to 2 years--enabling border 
agents to process more new applicants and reduce the current enrollment 
wait. The SAFE Border Act also recommends the appointment of dedicated 
SENTRI staff to expedite application processing, and encourages the 
creation of a dedicated commuter lane for prescreened, low-risk 
pedestrian crossers.
  In addition, to ensure security at our borders, my legislation bans a 
person convicted of a felony or under active criminal investigation 
from participating in the program.
  Our agents at the border shoulder an enormous responsibility every 
day. I believe we owe them the appropriate resources and support they 
need to carry out their duties.
  Our Nation's economic and overall security is heavily linked to 
smooth and secure border crossings. The SAFE Border Act provides a way 
for trusted travelers to cross the border securely and quickly.
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