Immigration reformers embrace once-unthinkable expansion of border personnnel

The Washington Examiner ^ | June 20, 2013 | Byron York

[don-o]

On June 12, Republican Sens. John Cornyn and John McCain, along with Democratic Sen. Charles Schumer, got into an argument that was pretty heated, at least by the standards of the Senate floor. The subject of their debate was an amendment proposed by Cornyn to strengthen the border security provisions in the Gang of Eight comprehensive immigration reform bill.

Among other measures, Cornyn proposed adding 5,000 new border patrol agents, along with 5,000 new customs officers, for a total of 10,000 new security positions. The Gang of Eight bill would add no new Border Patrol agents at all, and 3,500 Customs officers, meaning Cornyn was suggesting creating 6,500 positions above and beyond the Gang bill.

That was too much for McCain and Schumer, both Gang members. "If you are adding either additional border patrol or customs agents ... where does your money come from?" McCain asked Cornyn. "We are talking about personnel costs that are incredibly expensive."

[Durbin]

You don’t have to go back to 1986. Just look at 2003. Congress approves of border fence funding for 700 miles. By 2006, the new Congress shelved that funding and we ended up with a whopping 30 miles of border fence.

[liberalh8ter]

In October 2006, Bush signed legislation approving 700 miles of fence along the Mexican border that the Senate, of which Obama was a member, approved in September. That’s the bill from which the 30 miles was constructed . In 2007, they stopped building.

[Durbin]

Ok, I couldn’t remember the year. Thanks. pretty sad it was stopped barely a year into it. there’s a reason we don’t buy into this crap they are trying to feed us today.

[liberalh8ter]

Yup.....we know when we're being fed a sh@t sandwich. Too bad most Americans only see a free lunch.