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(Washington) U.S. Congressman Sam Graves today asked Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to stop funding a failed pilot project to build a virtual fence and use the money to build an actual fence.
“Congress passed the Secure Fence Act of 2006 that required 700 miles of fencing,” Graves wrote. “It is unacceptable that more than 2 years later your agency will only have 300 miles completed with an actual fence.”
Graves cited a Washington Post story last week that reported a 28-mile pilot project south of Tucson to build a virtual fence had failed. DHS wants to delay the program three years while it works out technical glitches. The program has cost taxpayers $85.6 million thus far.
“Having a wide open border makes it all too easy for illegal immigrants to cross into this country,” wrote Graves. “In addition, having an open border is a security threat. We simply cannot wait another 3 years to address it.”
Graves has consistently voted to give the DHS the resources it needs to secure the border. By the end of 2008, the number of border guards will have been doubled since 2001. Graves also voted for the Secure Fence Act of 2006 which funded 700 miles of fencing along the southern border. Graves said that taxpayer money needs to be spent wisely.
“Taxpayers demand to get the best value for their money,” wrote Graves. “An actual fence is the best way to secure the border.”
The full text of the letter:
March 6, 2008
Michael Chertoff
Secretary
Department of Homeland Security
245 Murray Lane, SW
Washington, D.C. 20528-0300
Dear Secretary Chertoff,
I am writing to request that the Department of Homeland Security cease plans to build a “virtual fence” and instead use the money to build an actual fence.
The Washington Post reported last week that a 28-mile Pilot Project south of Tucson to erect a “virtual fence” has failed. It also said that the program was going to be delayed by three years in order to fix the technical problems with the border. It has cost taxpayers $85.6 million thus far.
Mr. Secretary, we cannot wait another three years to secure our border. Congress passed the Secure Fence Act of 2006 that required 700 miles of fencing. It is unacceptable that more than 2 years later your agency will only have 300 miles completed with an actual fence.
I have been a strong and consistent supporter of giving your agency the resources it needs to secure our border. However, taxpayers demand to get the best value for their money. An actual fence is the best way to secure the border.
As you know, having a wide open border makes it all too easy for illegal immigrants to cross into this country. In addition, having an open border is a security threat. We simply cannot wait another 3 years to address it.
I urge you to cancel the virtual fence project and instead use the money to build an actual fence.
Sincerely,
Sam Graves
Member of Congress
Missouri’s Sixth District
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