September 13, 2008
Border Fire Report
Completion of fence along U.S.-Mexico border hinges on Congress approving the transfer of $400 million in existing infrastructure and technology funding

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) today commended the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) proposal to reprogram available border infrastructure and technology funding for the completion of physical fencing on the U.S.-Mexico border. 

Congressman Hunter also received confirmation from DHS that such action, if approved by Congressional Appropriations Committees, will not impede the fence construction project at "Smugglers Gulch" in San Diego, California.

I strongly support the proposal by DHS to take money from virtual fence and other border technology accounts and apply it to physical fence construction," said Congressman Hunter.  "As I told Secretary Chertoff many times before, a so-called 'virtual border' is impossible to enforce - which was proven by the unsuccessful pilot project undertaken in Arizona.

"Moving money from the failed virtual fence project to the construction of physical, reinforced fencing makes sense.  It is now critical that Congress act quickly and approve the transfer of these funds.

"I also received confirmation from DHS that construction of the remaining 3 miles of the San Diego border fence at Smugglers Gulch will continue without delay.  This project is important to the security of the San Diego border region and I am pleased that it will remain unaffected by projected funding shortfalls."