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.