[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 206 (Thursday, December 19, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S7196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            BORDER SECURITY

  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, after visiting our southern border 
countless times, most recently in August when I toured the Mexican side 
of the border with their deployed National Guard units, I know that we 
face a dire situation that is only improving because of the aggressive 
action taken by President Trump. As he and I both know, more needs to 
be done. Securing our border is vital to national security.
  In our discussions with the Mexican Government following my recent 
trip, they expressed strong support for doing work on their southern 
border to stem the tide of illegal immigrants from other nations in 
Central America. Accordingly, I am proud to introduce the Mirador-
Calakmul Basin Maya Security & Conservation Partnership Act, which will 
provide critical resources to the region to supplement the efforts made 
by the Government of Mexico to secure its own southern border. These 
resources will be critical because increased insecurity and lack of 
economic opportunity in this region are drivers of emigration from 
Guatemala and Mexico to the United States as local communities face 
pressure to participate in deforestation, logging, narcotics 
trafficking and other illicit activities. It is in the best interest 
for the national security of the United States to support political 
stability, reduced migration, reduction of poverty, and enhanced 
economic development around the basin in Guatemala and Mexico.
  The Mirador Basin features beautiful Mayan ruins with networks of 
pyramids, palaces, and ancient cities that many consider to be the 
eighth wonder of the world, and I would agree. I used to fly my plane 
over the Mirador Basin, and I have seen the magnificent structures with 
my own eyes. My legislation will support efforts made by the Department 
of the Interior, the Department of State, the Mexican Government the 
Guatemalan Government and various universities and research 
institutions to secure this region and ensure future generations are 
afforded the same opportunity to see these magnificent Mayan ruins.
  One of the most important things we can do to secure this region is 
support the local communities surrounding the Mirador Basin by 
providing economic opportunity and ensuring that this community 
receives direct economic benefit. If the members of the local community 
are able to find work in the region, it will greatly reduce the 
incentive to attempt the arduous journey to illegally immigrate to the 
United States.
  Mr. President, it is critical that we secure our southern border. 
Border security is national security. It is just that simple. There are 
many proposals targeting this issue, and I support many of them--
including building the wall. This additional legislation is a targeted 
approach, and I thank Senators Udall and Risch for joining me in this 
initiative.

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