House Passes 9/11 Commission Implementation Act
Key Provisions Strengthen Border Security, Identity Fraud Protection

October 8, 2004

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted today to approve legislation that puts in place intelligence reforms, terrorism prevention and prosecution initiatives, and enhanced border security protections. The 9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act, H.R. 10, was approved with broad bipartisan support, 282-134.

“Preventing another 9/11 attack is the ultimate priority of the federal government,” Dreier said. “The 9/11 Commission issued its extensive report this summer and today’s vote turns their recommendations into action for the American people. Reorganizing our intelligence agencies is a key achievement in this bill. I am particularly pleased at the enhanced border security and anti-terrorism provisions included in the House bill. Our Border Patrol needs to resources necessary to identify terrorists attempting to cross our borders illegally. This bill provides that.”

Included in H.R. 10 is an increase of 2,000 Border Patrol Agents and of 800 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigators in each fiscal year from 2006 to 2010, for a total of 10,000 additional agents and 4,000 additional investigators. The legislation also creates new minimum federal standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and birth certificates to combat identity fraud by illegal immigrants and terrorists. It also criminalizes making a false claim of U.S. citizenship.

Additionally, the bill requires a study on the feasibility of using photo ID for issuance of Social Security benefits, cards, and numbers, and restricts the number of replacement Social Security cards that can be issued. Dreier noted that this study would be key to successful implementation of the Bonner Plan, legislation he introduced this year to apply updated identity technology to Social Security cards and stemming the flow of illegal immigration. “H.R. 10 and the Bonner Plan share the goal of protecting our borders against terrorists and those who seek to enter our country illegally. As terrorists and illegals change their methods of evasion, we must keep pace with changing methods of detection and prevention.”

Dreier also applauded the adoption of an amendment offered by Congressman Doug Ose (R-Sacramento) and Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) that will speed up the completion of the Southwest border fence in San Diego. The amendment will expedite construction of the fence by alleviating permitting holdups which have been created by excessive bureaucracy. “The pro-environment, pro-national security vote was for the Ose-Hunter amendment,” Dreier said. “The border fence is underway, this bill will help us get it done and close down a particularly porous section of our southern border.”

Watch the video: dial-up / broadband