Congressman Henry Cuellar, TX-28, today helped unanimously pass HR 6080, the 2010 Emergency Border Security Supplemental Appropriations Bill, which provides $600 million to strengthen border security and help reduce violence along the Southwest border.

The text of the bill is identical to that passed by the Senate last Thursday, but now avoids the violation of the Origination Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Last week, Congressman Cuellar led efforts urging Speaker Pelosi and Leader Hoyer to bring this important bill to the House floor when the House reconvened this week.
 
"Today, I applaud my colleagues in the House for passing this important bill and for helping protect and secure our border,” said Congressman Cuellar, an original co-sponsor of the legislation. "This is one of the single largest infusions of funding to secure the southern border. It is also a critical step to combat illegal activity and secure our communities who face law enforcement challenges everyday."

This funding includes more than $300 million for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as well as funding for the hiring of additional Border Patrol agents, CBP Officers at our ports of entry on the southwest border, and for equipment and technology that will improve tactical communications in support of these missions, including support for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or Drones. The bill provides for hiring 1,000 Border Patrol agents to form a “strike force” as well as 250 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel and 250 new CBP officers at land ports of entry.

This bill also provides $80 million for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

“I now request that the Senate take up this bill without delay, as a matter of national security,” said Congressman Cuellar.