    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [May 18, 2006]
    [Pages 958-959]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Requesting
    Additional Funds for Border Security
    May 18, 2006

    Dear Mr. Speaker:
        On May 15th, I outlined to the Nation a comprehensive immigration
    reform initiative with five objectives. As part of my first objective to
    secure our Nation's borders, I ask the Congress to consider the enclosed
    requests for an additional $1.9 billion for the Departments of Defense,
    Justice, and Homeland Security, which is in addition to supplemental
    funding requested on February 16th for the Global War on Terror and the
    consequences of Hurricane Katrina. This additional amount is offset by a
    $1.9 billion reduction in the amount requested on February 16th for the
    Department of Defense.
        The revised request for the Department of Homeland Security will
    support my Administration's commitment to gain full control of the
    borders through the deployment of additional Border Patrol agents,
    infrastructure, and technology (such as hundreds of miles of new roads,
    vehicle barriers, tactical communications, and aerial surveillance).
        The request for additional resources, coupled with additional legal
    authority from the Congress, will end the practice of catch and release
    along our southern border once and for all by increasing detention,
    transportation, and removal capabilities.

    [[Page 959]]

        The revised request for the Department of Defense will support the
    deployment, in coordination with the Governors, of up to 6,000 National
    Guard members to the southern border. There, they will assist the Border
    Patrol by operating surveillance systems, building infrastructure,
    analyzing intelligence, and providing training until new Border Patrol
    agents and technologies come online. The request increases funding for
    training and other assistance for State and local authorities to support
    the Border Patrol on targeted enforcement missions. The request for the
    Department of Justice will provide additional resources for the
    prosecution and adjudication of illegal immigration cases.
        I designate these proposals in the amounts requested herein as an
    emergency requirement. I urge the Congress to act expeditiously to
    address the security needs along the Nation's borders.
        The details of these requests are set forth in the enclosed letter
    from the Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush