Press Release
Report Shows Communities Along Southwest Border are Safe
Washington,
February 26, 2013
Report Shows Communities Along Southwest Border are Safe
The GAO found:
Congressman Cuellar released the following statement on the report:
"This report verifies that the border is as safe a place to raise a family, build a business, or enjoy retirement as nearly any other area of the country. We must remain vigilant and continue to strengthen our federal, state and local law enforcement agencies so they can keep the border secure. There are sectors where we can do a better job and I will use my new position on Appropriations to stay on top of this vital national security issue.”
Congressman Thompson released the following statement with the release of the report.
“This report appears to suggest that while border-related crime is a concern, border communities are largely safe places to live, work, and do business. While reality does not always match rhetoric, we should have as much information available as possible as we use all available resources to continue to improve security along the border.”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee added the following statement:
“Over the last several years, Congress has made unprecedented investments in border security, and though our Nation’s borders can never be fully and finally secured, it is my hope that we can continue on the road toward progress. With the sequester looming, I am concerned that our recent investments to the safety and security of border will be compromised. Under sequestration, CBP would have to absorb more than half a billion dollars in cuts, rendering the agency unable to maintain current staffing levels of Border Patrol agents and CBP Officers as mandated by Congress. The risk at our borders will never be zero, but that doesn't mean our borders are not secure or safe.”
# # # PRESS CONTACTS: (Cuellar) Lorraine Carrasco at 202-225-1640 |