Homeland Security
We must remain ever vigilant fight to defend our homeland!
Representing the entire California/ Mexico border, Congressman Filner understands the unique security challenges of California’s 51st District. In his nearly 20 years in Congress, Bob has been a vocal leader in educating Congress on border needs. He has long fought for funding to increase protection of the border and provide the ports of entry (POEs) with adequate resources to improve border efficiency. With continued threats of terrorism, rising drug cartel violence and the ongoing flow of drugs and guns, Bob knows that now is not the time to lose focus of what needs to be done to protect our borders and the nation.
Since 9/11, Congress has focused on increasing manpower to patrol our borders; an effort that Bob supported. However, Bob believes in a comprehensive, integrated approach to border security, one that includes comprehensive immigration reform, collaborative partnerships between local, state and Mexican law enforcement agencies and major investments at our land ports-of entry’s (LPOEs), an area long neglected in the national security discussion. In his time as Congressman, Bob has advocated for and helped secure funding to modernize and expand infrastructure at the San Ysidro LPOE and Calexico LPOE. In 2009, Phase I construction began on an expansion project at the San Ysidro LPOE that is to include a pedestrian bridge, extra lanes, inspection booths and public transportation. Construction was set to begin for expansion of the Calexico LPOE, in 2011. However, in a move that Bob strongly opposed, House Republicans chose to eliminate $84 million in funding for improvements to the Calexico LPOE as part of their misguided and irresponsible approach to the deficit.
In March 2011, the House and Senate passed the FY2011 Continued Resolution (H. J. Res. 48) which provides no funds for General Services Administration (GSA), the government agency handling the projects. These cuts to the GSA budget will jeopardize future construction and modernization of the Calexico, Otay Mesa, and San Ysidro LPOEs and will severely impact border safety. In addition, California will lose jobs associated with the construction and the economy will suffer from the loss of efficiency at the border.
Bob along with many experts believes that we cannot continue to neglect infrastructure at our ports of entry as they have not kept pace with the increased threats of the post-9/11 world. Issues such as deteriorating buildings, insufficient lanes and inadequate inspection facilities must be a priority if we want to be serious about national security. Therefore, substantial investment in LPOE infrastructure projects is needed to ensure national security while sustaining economic prosperity caused by increased cross-border trade. Only then can our LPOEs provide real security from the threats that face America and promote economic development in the United States and Mexico.
As Co-Chair of the 112th Congressional Border Caucus, Bob intends to continue the ever vigilant fight to provide the security of our border, while enabling continued economic growth and prosperity of the 51st District and our nation.