[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 21 (Thursday, February 10, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SUPPORT AMERICA'S BORDER COMMUNITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 10, 2011

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I recently introduced H.R. 543, legislation 
to include certain Department of Homeland Security facilities, such as 
ports of entry, under the Payments in Lieu of Taxes, PILT, program.
  Since 1976, communities have received payments from the Interior 
Department's PILT program to help offset losses in property taxes due 
to nontaxable Federal lands administered by the BLM, the National Park 
Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest 
Service.
  However, all along our Border, communities are not reimbursed for 
land that the Department of Homeland Security uses for ports of entry. 
The community often provides resources and services to these facilities 
without reimbursement from the government. My bill, H.R. 543 provides 
support for these communities.
  H.R. 543 amends existing law to include certain Department of 
Homeland Security facilities, such as ports of entry, under the PILT 
program. Providing access to these payments will help these communities 
with the important work they provide along our borders.

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