By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer
9 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - Mexican President Vicente Fox telephoned President Bush on Sunday to express his concern about the border between the two nations as members of Congress expressed concern that using National Guard troops to keep illegal immigrants from crossing the border would further burden an overextended military.
The criticism on the eve of Bush's planned Oval Office speech to the nation on immigration came from Democrats, but also an important Republican negotiator in the immigration debate — Sen. Chuck Hagel (news, bio, voting record) of Nebraska. He said National Guard troops cannot secure the border over the long term and that he does not think it is wise even in the short term.
White House spokeswoman Maria Tamburri said Bush made clear to Fox in the morning telephone conversation that "the United States considered Mexico a friend and that what is being considered is not militarization of the border, but support of border capabilities on a temporary basis by the National Guard."
She said the two presidents discussed cooperative efforts underway along the border and that Bush reiterated to Fox "his commitment to comprehensive immigration reform."
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