As "California's Border
Congressman," Bob is one of the most vocal border
community advocates in both Washington, DC and
California.
Bob knows that Americans and Mexicans cross legally
(in both directions!) to connect with loved ones, to
go shopping, to go to work or school, and to attend
sporting and cultural events. The region is richer
in so many ways because of this constant exchange,
but it also faces unique challenges.
Border Wait Times
According to a recent SANDAG report, wait times at
the borders cost the San Diego region almost $4
billion annually- $4 BILLION! Long waits at the
border have a strong impact on local businesses and
tourism.
Bob has been fighting to decrease wait times at all
ports of entry along the California-U.S. Border. He
recently sent a letter to DHS Secretary Michael
Chertoff, asking him to implement several
initiatives at the Calexico Ports of Entry to
improve border efficiency and reduce wait times for
all. He believes Customs and Border Patrol should
strive to keep wait times under 15 minutes, rather
than have crossers experience the hour-long waits
that many experience on a daily basis.
Rapid growth in the San Diego area has also created
long wait times at the Otay Mesa and San Ysidro
Ports of Entry. Bob recently called for immediate
action to designate three additional lanes to be
used by SENTRI travelers during peak times. By
encouraging use of the SENTRI program, Customs and
Border Protection would be able to concentrate more
on illegal crossers and thus improve efficiency at
our borders. “Adding more SENTRI lanes at Otay Mesa
is a lot more cost-effective than a lot of other
thins they’re contemplating.” Bob said.
Border Fence
While Republicans were in control of Congress, they
approved the construction of a 700 mile long fence
in the name of Homeland Security. The fence is
expected to cost around $9 billion to complete, a
far cry from the $1.2 billion down payment the
Republicans put forth in the legislation.
Bob knows this is not the right approach and that
the fence will do nothing to make our nation safer
or reduce illegal immigration. Bob is fighting for
comprehensive immigration reform because he believes
all elements of this problem must be addressed
together or none of them will be solved. $9 billion
dollars can do much more than build fences- it can
ensure our country has enough personnel to process
immigration files, improve monitoring and
prosecuting of businesses who knowingly hire illegal
immigrants and increase personnel to find illegal
activity such as smuggling and drug trafficking.
Border Health
In addition to fighting for an efficient and secure
Border, Bob also works closely with a bi-partisan
group of border Members of Congress to tackle the
region’s special needs. He is collaborating with his
colleagues to increase funding for clean air and
water programs in the region, to provide
reimbursements to area hospitals, and to ensure
strong air pollution restrictions for border power
plants.