“Before any border fence construction begins, the federal agencies must take into account input from local border communities.  I have worked to open and continue a dialogue between local communities and high-ranking officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and SBINet.  Already, we have seen increased outreach efforts by these federal agencies.

“In Congress, I also worked to include language in legislation to ensure the consideration of this local input, give the DHS more latitude in implementing border infrastructure projects, and to call attention to the potential environmental impact a fence would have on border communities.  It is imperative that those people who will be affected by the building of a fence have their voices heard at in the halls of Congress.

“The American people have called for more secure borders and comprehensive immigration reform.  I am committed to doing my part in Congress to develop solutions that will address immigration and secure our borders, while not affecting the international trade and tourism that is vital to our economy.

“Immigration reform must encompass several factors: we need to know who is crossing our borders and when, we need to develop a feasible guest worker program, and we have to find a solution for the millions of immigrants living in this country right now.  I have been to the White House and spoken with the president, and I believe that we will come together to generate real reform.

“I will continue to fight to make the concerns of border citizens a priority for Congress and the country.  I am dedicated to bringing about real, lasting solutions to the challenges presented at our international borders.”

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.
####