Are they backtracking on the fence already?

Question

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17280928&BRD=2290&PAG=461&dept_id=569392&rfi=6

Sen. John Cornyn, R-San Antonio and a key liaison to the White House on immigration, said Tuesday that 700 miles of fencing approved by Congress will probably not be built because of a lack of money and other practical considerations. “It’s one thing to authorize. It’s another thing to actually appropriate the money and do it,” he told reporters.

Cornyn predicted that some fencing would be built as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes more Border Patrol agents, more technology, more detention facilities and various physical barriers.

“There’s different kinds of fencing ... there’s the old fence post and barbed wire, and then there’s the virtual fence which is a combination of physical barriers, people, and technology and I think, in the end, that will probably be how this is addressed,” he said.

Cornyn added that 700 miles of fencing would not solve the problem of illegal immigration because it would still leave about 1,300 miles of unfenced border.

“I’m not sure that’s the most practical use of that money,” he said.

In many border areas, the federal government would have to figure out how to compensate land owners for the property used for the fence, which raises a lot of practical questions, he said.

In addition, residents in the Rio Grande Valley, El Paso and South Texas are concerned that a fence could harm legal trade and commerce back and forth across the border, which is key to jobs and the economy in those areas, he said.

Cornyn defended the Senate vote for the fencing, saying that it was an important symbolic gesture to show that Congress is serious about protecting the border.

The Senate cleared the bill late Friday and President Bush has said he would sign it. But Congress approved only $1.2 billion for fencing, barriers and other infrastructure in a separate homeland security measure. Estimates for the 700 miles of fencing range from $2 billion to $7 billion. "

What do you think? Is Congress serious, this time?

I want results as well. I hope this is just one man who didn't want the fence to begin with, thinking saying it might make it so.

Answer 1

"Cornyn defended the Senate vote for the fencing, saying that it was an important symbolic gesture to show that Congress is serious about protecting the border."

I don't know about you but I want results and not symbolic gestures. Like I said before it's a total waste of money unless they build the whole thing. It's like building half a dam in the middle of a river and expecting results.

Answer 2

The Senate has NEVER been serious about this. They are still of the amnesty and let in millions mindset that the McCain bill had. All the jackasses that were pro-illegal in May are still pro-illegal. This is a smokescreen to put up just before the elections. Don't believe the hype - they have no intention of sealing the border. Vote for those that have been anti-illegal all along, not just this past month!!

Answer 3

I'm with Tegeras and Mr. Boof!! Don't vote for those who have only recently changed their tune to "seem" to be anti-illegal immigration - they are NOT to be trusted.

Build that fence! I don't care of a lot of it is "virtual," as long as it is "real" in the areas that are the most easily accessed by illegal immigrants. Then, at the same time, NAIL employers of illegals fully and nonstop! Only the combination of fence and employer penalties will work! Not one or the other.

Answer 4

Personally I do not think a fence will do any good.

Answer 5

Am I agreeing with tegeras? Ouch!

Answer 6

Tegeras I have to agree with you.

Answer 7

I agree with Tegeras; his point is well taken.