Real Solution for Borders: Kerry Amend to Add 1,000 Border Patrol Agents

[kerrygoddess]

A Real Solution for Border Security: Kerry Amendment Would Add 1,000 New Border Patrol Agents
May 15th, 2006 @ 4:53 pm

Bush will be addressing the nation soon and calling for the deployment of up to 6,000 National Guard to guard to the U.S./Mexican border. This is all part of a “$1.9 billion drive to tighten security and win conservative backing in Congress for a broad election-year overhaul of the nation’s tattered immigration laws.”

In response to Bush’s address and call for deployment of the National Guard, tomorrow John Kerry will offer an amendment to the Immigration Reform Bill to add 1,000 additional Border Patrol agents — bringing the total up to 3,000 new agents this year – plus add an additional 100 helicopters and 250 power boats to secure America’s borders.

“We know we need a comprehensive answer to immigration that includes tightening border security, but putting another burden on the backs of men and women who are serving their second tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan isn’t the right answer,” said John Kerry. “The right answer is to listen to the 9/11 Commission and put the border patrol agents we need right there on the border.”

MORE - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=2994

[IndianaGreen]

1. Bush has cut the budget for the border patrol

Way to go Kerry!

[ProSense]

2. Thanks for posting this! n/t

[kerrygoddess]

3. Kerry on President Bush’s Plan to Put National Guard Troops on the Border

John Kerry on President Bush’s Plan to Put National Guard Troops on the Border
May 15th, 2006 @ 7:58 pm

In his address to the nation tonight on immigration, Nush called for “Congress to provide funding for dramatic improvements in manpower and technology at the border.”

By the end of 2008, we will increase the number of Border Patrol officers by an additional 6,000. When these new agents are deployed, we will have more than doubled the size of the Border Patrol during my presidency.

However, in the transitionary period leading up to this, Bush has called for the use of the National Guard, “in coordination with governors,” and wants to deploy “up to 6,000 Guard members” on our southern border. Bush also said that, “The Border Patrol will remain in the lead,” and the U.S. is “not going to militarize the southern border.”

Not so fast Mr. President… Our National Guard is already stretched to the max from deployment to Afghanistan and Iraq. Below is a statement from John Kerry on Bush’s plan to deploy National Guard troops to the border:

“This is a moment when the far right is horribly wrong and leadership is required to set a course for common sense. We need a comprehensive answer to immigration that includes tightening border security, but putting another burden on the backs of the National Guard troops who are serving their second tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan isn’t the right answer. The National Guard which has borne the burden of a broken policy in Iraq shouldn’t have to bear the burden of an incomplete immigration policy. The right answer is to listen to the 9/11 Commission and put the border patrol agents we need right there on the border. It won’t satisfy the right wing, but it’s the right policy."

MORE - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=2997