Kyl, Cornyn Urge President's Support for Emergency Border Security Funding

U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology & Homeland Security Subcommittee, & U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security & Citizenship Subcommittee today requested the President’s support for an immigration & border security supplemental in order to fully fund enforcement priorities that Congress has authorized.

At a press conference on Capitol Hill today to announce this effort, Sen. Kyl said, “I continue to believe that Congress must address immigration reform in a comprehensive manner that starts with securing the border. There is much that Congress can do immediately to address our border security needs. That is why we are making this request to the President today. Emergency funding for border security will send a clear message that the government is seriously committed to the enforcement of its border.”

Sen. Cornyn, said, “While I am still very much committed to a comprehensive immigration reform bill, I believe that for the legislative process to move forward, the White House & the Congress must restore public confidence in the government’s ability - and will - to enforce the immigration laws. It is for this reason that we have sought the President’s support for a supplemental in our letter today, & we are hopeful that it will re-energize discussions between all parties in our effort to reach a compromise on this very important issue.”

Among the areas that Kyl & Cornyn seek additional funding for are:

500 Border Patrol Agents: $135 million
1,300 Detention Beds: $45.5 million
Employee Verification System: $400 million
Fencing and Vehicle Barriers: $1.829 billion
USVISIT Entry-Exit: $193 million
800 Immigration & Customs Enforcement Agents: $100 million
New Capital Equipment: $973 million

TOTAL: $3.676 billion