[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 28, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H2987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS MIA

  (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, a bipartisan group of Members 
representing all the southern border States today called for armed 
National Guard troops at the border. Our border State Governors have 
been specifically asking for troops over a year. Violence is 
escalating. Law enforcement lacks the manpower and equipment they need 
to protect the people on the border. National Guard troops must be 
armed and sent to the border, with clear and concise rules of 
engagement that allow them to defend themselves if fired upon.
  Seventy-nine American citizens were murdered in Juarez, Mexico, just 
last year. Last month, an Arizona rancher was shot dead on his own 
property. His murderer was tracked to the border. Assaults against 
Border Patrol agents have increased 16 percent so far this year. Border 
Patrol Agent Robert Rosas was murdered in July--execution style.
  Border States need help. The Federal Government has been missing in 
action. National Guard troops should be sent to the border to help the 
Border Patrol and local sheriffs protect the safety and security of the 
people.
  And that's just the way it is.

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