House guts border fence

By Michelle Malkin  •  December 18, 2007 08:55 AM

Update 10:58pm Eastern: Yeah, I’m watching C-SPAN. The motion to concur in the House amendments to HR2764, the omnibus spending bill, just passed…76-17, with 1 present. More here.

Update 10:20pm Eastern. Sen. Jim DeMint is on the Senate floor right now blasting the omnibus bill for gutting the fence, removing the ban on sanctuary cities, and funding illegal alien lawyers. Hear, hear.

Update 1:20pm Eastern. Omnibusting links the section of the bill containing the border-gutting.

Update 10:20am Eastern. The fence gets robbed, but the spending bill gives $10 million in “emergency” funding for attorneys of illegal immigrants?!!?!

***
fencewhatfence.jpg
Fence? What fence?

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. I’ve warned several times that the border fence expansion was gesture politics. (See here, here, here, and here.) We’ve watched Democrats and Republicans undermine the Secure Fence Act repeatedly since it was passed. Open-borders zealots joined with Big Business types to stall and protest construction. It ain’t a fence. It’s a FINO: Fence in Name Only. Here’s more confirmation of the fence farce via the Washington Times:

Congress last night passed a giant new spending bill that undermines current plans for a U.S.-Mexico border fence, allowing the Homeland Security Department to build a single-tier barrier rather than the two-tier version that has worked in California…The 2006 Secure Fence Act specifically called for “two layers of reinforced fencing” and listed five specific sections of border where it should be installed. The new spending bill removes the two-tier requirement and the list of locations.

House Democrats said they were just adopting the Senate version, which was backed by a bipartisan group of border-state senators and passed the Senate several times this year.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, the Texas Republican who has led the charge to change the 2006 law, said she wants to give Homeland Security more flexibility and wants local officials and landowners to be consulted.

“Senator Hutchison believes that Customs and Border Protection can better decide how to utilize limited resources to secure the border than a congressman from Maine,” said Matt Mackowiak, Mrs. Hutchison’s spokesman. He said double-tier fencing has worked in San Diego, but it might not be the right solution for the entire fence.

But Rep. Peter T. King, who sponsored the Secure Fence Act, said if the goal was to give DHS flexibility, the senators have failed.

“This is either a blatant oversight or a deliberate attempt to disregard the border security of our country,” the New York Republican said. “As it’s currently written, the omnibus language guts the Secure Fence Act almost entirely. Quite simply, it is unacceptable.”

How much of the fence has been built?

Just five miles of double-layer fencing.

Here’s what I wrote in September 2006 when the Secure Fence Act was passed:

Yes, I know. The House voted to approve a 700-mile fence at the southern border…

…But forgive me if I don’t break out the pom-poms over this. There’s no funding for the fence, which will take years to build if it ever does get funded. There are so many other immediate reforms that could have been adopted this year that would have strengthened immigration enforcement, closed deportation loopholes immediately, and provided true relief at the border. (And don’t even get me started on this administration’s renewed laxity at the front door, which has been thrown open to tens of thousands of new Saudi student visa holders while enforcement against millions of current visa overstayers remain virtually non-existent.)

The 700-mile fence vote is an election season gesture, and grass-roots conservatives who have watched the GOP squander away this issue for six years are not going to be appeased by mid-September 2006 gesture politics.

Meanwhile, the Border Patrol is under siege.

Posted in: Southern Border

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Trackbacks

  1. Michelle Malkin » House passes $516 billion spending bill
  2. Michelle Malkin » House passes $516 billion spending bill
  3. The “Great” Wall of China « Full Metal Cynic
  4. Hot Air » Blog Archive » After endorsing Huckabee, Jim Gilchrist shocked to find he’s soft on immigration
  5. Riehl World View
  6. Captain's Quarters
  7. Ace of Spades HQ
  8. No More Spin
  9. Open Borders Travesty « Tai-Chi Policy
  10. House to Gut Border Fence : The American Pundit
  11. Outrage: Democrats gut Border fence; give millions to lawyers for illegal immigrants | Infidels Are Cool
  12. Bluey Blog | RobertBluey.com » The Great Omnibusting Experiment
  13. Liberty Pundit
  14. Congress Guts 2006 Border Bill « Publius
  15. Michelle Malkin » Victory: Democrats roll over on Iraq/Afghanistan war funding
  16. Diggers Realm
  17. Dinocrat » Blog Archive » How would a veto play?
  18. Michelle Malkin » The Incredible Disappearing Border Fence
  19. Newly approved border fence provisions are a joke « Seeing Red AZ
  20. Michelle Malkin » Rep. Blunt mischaracterized illegal immigration lawyer funding
  21. Least Surprising News Of The Day! » Freedom Folks
  22. Killing the Border Fence at The American Patriot
  23. Grizzly Groundswell » Killing the Border Fence
  24. Killing the Border Fence « Brian Bonner
  25. Michelle Malkin » We interrupt the campaign season for a border reality check
  26. Michelle Malkin » Twice-deported illegal alien criminal is Arizona serial rapist suspect
  27. Jules Crittenden » Immigration Advocates Attacked
  28. The ICE man cometh « Seeing Red AZ
  29. Trumping The Race Card: Is Barack Obama White Male Enough? « Pronk Palisades
  30. Michelle Malkin » Surprise, surprise: Fence In Name Only won’t be done by deadline

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Comments


  1. #198168
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:00 am, ThackerAgency said:

    I find it remarkable the contempt they have for their own legislative body. If they don’t want to follow the laws that they pass, why should they expect us to?

    How can they find money for all these other worthless things, but not money for this that is for the safety of American citizens. They aren’t interested in the safety of America. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr indeed.

  2. #198169
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:02 am, backwoods conservative said:

    Do these people have any desire to stay in office?

  3. #198171
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:05 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    The funding was intended to pay for 700 miles of fencing to be completed by the end of the 2009 fiscal year. It also would pay for more Border Patrol agents, 300 miles of vehicle barriers, 105 radar and camera towers and enough beds to detain 45,000 illegal entrants daily. Some money was earmarked for states to help them pursue illegal entrants who had overstayed their visas and to help employers comply with employee-verification requirements.

    Here’s the understatement of the year: this Democratic majority lead Congress sucks. Where do they ever put America first? I question their Americanism.

  4. #198173
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:06 am, Michelle Malkin said:

    …this Democratic majority lead Congress sucks…

    Yeah, it sucks. But this is a bipartisan sellout.

  5. #198174
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:06 am, taylork said:

    This is precisely why Duncan Hunter needs to be POTUS

  6. #198177
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:08 am, deadeye said:

    Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, the Texas Republican who has led the charge to change the 2006 law, said she wants to give Homeland Security more flexibility and wants local officials and landowners to be consulted.

    Border security is a national issue no a neighborhood beutification issue. What’s up with these people?

  7. #198178
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:08 am, Boomer said:

    As we used to say in my active duty days don’t piss down my back and tell me it is raining. How many more American citizens need to be killed by these invaders before these idiots in Congress buy a clue? Have to quit can’t maintain coherent thoughts right now. I am beyond Grrrrrrr at this particular time.

  8. #198179
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:08 am, James Felix said:

    I’ve worked at nightclubs that were harder to get into than this country is.

    What really baffles me about this is that the fence, done properly, would be a major construction job. Senators and Representatives from four states (including the two largest) would have all kinds of juicy contracts to distribute to various constituents and donors.

    Yet still, they’re dead set against it. Makes you wonder…

  9. #198180
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:09 am, Jaded said:

    I am not surprised but those going out to be re-elected will be.

    I think they take those 83% of Americans who want the border secured for granted. Those Americans will be voting you idiots.

    Another day another bill from the most inept congress in history and of course the friend of Mexico President Bush will sign it because it’s what he wants anyway.

  10. #198181
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:12 am, Pulchritudinous Patriot said:

    Kay Bailey will not get my support when she runs for Governor of Texas.

  11. #198184
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:15 am, longbow said:

    Are all of our congress critters lying crapweasels? Don’t answer I want to retain at least some shred of belief that they are trying their best to do their job for our country…

    Seriously, I do question their patriotism, and their judgement. I’m not ready to give up yet but I wish we could have open season, or put a bounty, on legislators…and a double bounty if you bagged one who also happened to be a lawyer…I’d gladly pay the bounty out of my own pocket…

  12. #198185
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:16 am, legendx3 said:

    i was on the DMZ in korea i didn’t see anyone jumping over that fence.think about

  13. #198186
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:16 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    MM said: Yeah, it sucks. But this is a bipartisan sellout.

    Agreed. Illegal immigration has been a stickler for both sides and there really isn’t any excuse for Republicans who have agreed to cut the funding for the border fence. I should have made that clear.

    taylork, Hunter would clean this mess up in no time flat.

  14. #198189
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:19 am, ajmontana said:

    as is Gaggles for a flock of Geese, Crud is for a Herd of Crapweasels.

  15. #198190
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:19 am, PurpleHaze said:

    What the hell is the matter with these guys!?! What’s going on here!?! The majority of Americans demanded that this fence be built. Whose interest are these f*****g idiots looking out for? It sure as hell isn’t the American people. These guys have no intention of closing that border. They are playing with fire. If they’re not careful, they’re going to force the American people to take matters into their own hands – starting with the removal of these jerks!

  16. #198191
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:21 am, malkin_fan said:

    Just doing the jobs Americans won’t do….

    http://nicole-allen.memory-of.com/

  17. #198195
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:26 am, BobK said:

    In the mean time, the Gov of Missouri got the hint from from the voters

    http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2007/12/gov-blunt-annou.html

    Very interesting being that I am from Illinois. Looks like we will have a whole bunch of people heading east.

  18. #198196
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:29 am, coldfront said:

    This just seemed appropriate~

    Something there is that doesn’t love a wall,
    That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,
    And spills the upper boulders in the sun,
    And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.
    The work of hunters is another thing:
    I have come after them and made repair
    Where they have left not one stone on a stone,
    But they would have the rabbit out of hiding,
    To please the yelping dogs. The gaps I mean,
    No one has seen them made or heard them made,
    But at spring mending-time we find them there.
    I let my neighbor know beyond the hill;
    And on a day we meet to walk the line
    And set the wall between us once again.
    We keep the wall between us as we go.
    To each the boulders that have fallen to each.
    And some are loaves and some so nearly balls
    We have to use a spell to make them balance:
    ‘Stay where you are until our backs are turned!’
    We wear our fingers rough with handling them.
    Oh, just another kind of out-door game,
    One on a side. It comes to little more:
    There where it is we do not need the wall:
    He is all pine and I am apple orchard.
    My apple trees will never get across
    And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.
    He only says, ‘Good fences make good neighbors’.
    Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder
    If I could put a notion in his head:
    ‘Why do they make good neighbors? Isn’t it
    Where there are cows?
    But here there are no cows.
    Before I built a wall I’d ask to know
    What I was walling in or walling out,
    And to whom I was like to give offence.
    Something there is that doesn’t love a wall,
    That wants it down.’ I could say ‘Elves’ to him,
    But it’s not elves exactly, and I’d rather
    He said it for himself. I see him there
    Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top
    In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed.
    He moves in darkness as it seems to me~
    Not of woods only and the shade of trees.
    He will not go behind his father’s saying,
    And he likes having thought of it so well
    He says again, “Good fences make good neighbors.”
    R.Frost / Mending Wall

  19. #198197
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:32 am, ACHefty said:

    I would argue that Duncan Hunter needs to be in the House leadership if he is not put in the White House. Although I firmly support his border initiative, he doesn’t have the national recognition as RudyMcRomPson does. If someone doesn’t get him in charge of Homeland Security, then the House GOP should make him the next Newt!

  20. #198198
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:36 am, The Raging Republican said:

    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:06 am, Michelle Malkin said:

    “…this Democratic majority lead Congress sucks…”

    Yeah, it sucks. But this is a bipartisan sellout.

    That is correct. The Dems want open boarders to buy votes so that they can turn this nation into a socialist country. The Republicans are turning a blind eye to this….. why, I don’t know…… but none the less they are just as guilty as the Dems.

    It might be time to start using that “Well armed militia”.

  21. #198200
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:36 am, jrlingreenbay said:

    So – our congress is electing to not enforce a law they themselves passed not 2 years ago – instead changing it to suit their needs….

    And this is the same congress that complains about the President’s signing statements?

    I wonder – do their driver’s licenses have two pictures – one for each face?

  22. #198201
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:38 am, riccola said:

    So, Rep. King just endorsed Fred for President. Will Fred speak out about this? Tancredo & Hunter have been speaking out, and voting for border security for 10 years – but King endorses Fred, who thought “comprehensive” immigration was a good idea. And Gilchrist endorses Huckabee, who is an open borders mole speaking with forked tongue (Mr. Baptist pastor). We Republicans are so stupid.

  23. #198203
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:40 am, Marshall Russ said:

    If there is one issue the American people could hold their reps. feet to the fire this is it. When a blue state like NY revolted against Spitzer’s plan by 70% that says a lot about the rest of the countries mood.

  24. #198206
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:44 am, cpodug said:

    I’ve warned several times that the border fence expansion was gesture politics

    Most appropriate gesture for these (censored) is to vote NO when they are up for reelection. Also, I can think of several other semi-appropriate gestures for them, but none of them really conveys my contempt for them.

  25. #198207
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:46 am, buckshot said:

    This treachery should lay to rest the illusion that we have a representative government.

  26. #198210
    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:49 am, Mister P said:

    The truth is that our politicians do not deserve to represent the citizens of this country. For decades the democrats and republicans have been selling off the pieces of this country for personal and political gain.
    Right now my only hope for a continued republic is somebody like General Petraeus. Somebody without a political stake and proven capabilities.

  27. #198215
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:04 am, DesertLover said:

    How many signatures do we need to force a national referendum and force these spineless, gutless Congressional nimrods hand?

    If Congress won’t do their job and follow the will of the people that elected them then it is time for those same people to ensure that they do not get re-elected.

    New faces, new blood, term limits … and that is just for starters.

  28. #198217
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:05 am, walterc said:

    Both sides think they are going after the hispanic vote, but I think the hispanics that can vote (at least legally vote) want the border secured as much as the rest of us.

    So the answer is to have yourself elected to the county and state conventions and beat these guys up front. In some states, one candidate getting more than 50% in convention means no primary. And many times, you can speak before the convention on behalf of a candidate, mention the border votes made by the incumbents.

    That way we don’t have to elect a dhimmicrat to get rid of a republican incumbent.

  29. #198221
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:17 am, Richard said:

    “Whose interest are these f*****g idiots looking out for?”

    Their own.

  30. #198223
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:22 am, ThatSamIAm said:

    IS IT POSSIBLE TO SUE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR FAILING TO UPHOLD THE LAWS THAT ARE IN THE BOOKS AND THE POLICIES THAT HAVE BEEN PASSED? That’s what needs to happen.

  31. #198231
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:28 am, MrScribbler said:

    Two words sum up the border sellout: Ramos and Compean. They are the poster boys for the mendacity of Jorge Boosh’s kowtowing to his buds in Mexico City while selling out his own people.

    The depth of the Democrats’ complicity is obvious: they will slam Boosh for the smallest sins real and imagined, but have remained largely silent here.

    Sadly — I know I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating — the voices who might be able to galvanize a public reaction that even the dimwits in DC couldn’t ignore have remained silent as well.

    That includes MM, sorry to say.

    Until we get an American president (Duncan Hunter!) and replace the current crop of congress-creeps — and get those who have authoritative voices pushing for the exoneration of Ramos and Compean — a fence won’t mean a damn thing.

  32. #198234
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:32 am, DaMav said:

    Congress treats the American people with utter contempt and takes us for idiots. And once again we have Republicans providing cover for liberal Democrats.

  33. #198236
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:33 am, Rohan said:

    My anger over this issue is not helped by my current cold! I have to disagree with some commenters, though I agree with them in spirit. It concerns congress not representing the people. We have the government we, collectively, deserve. I know most of the people who read Michelle’s blog are in complete opposition to what our government is doing, myself included, but the fact remains these idiots are constantly re-elected. The bulk of our population does not care about this stuff. I don’t see it changing. Demographics are against the freedom-lovers in this country.

  34. #198237
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:33 am, DocattheAutopsy said:

    Well, the FINO will work well keeping out illegals from France.

  35. #198238
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:34 am, uhangtight said:

    i am thoroughly disgusted. our ‘representatives’ lack the desire to make sure the federal government does what is outlined in the constitution: a strong military to defend the borders.

    many think that the dems are the only socialists, but i dare to say, republicans have realized the power in creating socialist programs/bureaucracy.

    getting these critters out of office needs to be done. no incumbents. need to work at getting term limits. doubtful any pol will get behind that but a very few. need to figure out a way to work around this aspect in order to create term limits once and for all. because can’t rely on the voters to vote them out of office after a few terms.

    unbelievable that some of these folks have had the same position in congress for over 30 years. scary.

  36. #198239
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:35 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    $10 million for illegal immigrants to have attorneys and this is deemed a dire situation? While our troops are fighting over in Iraq and Afghanistan and there is no funding for them.

    Interesting… I think it is best that I stay away from commenting anymore on the subject.

    I am beyond pissed.

  37. #198242
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:37 am, WarTip said:

    Political partying above the people as usual. Sadly, this should not be a major surprise to anyone. At this stage of the game I am seriously hard pressed to believe either party has very many saving graces, much less actual accomplishments.

    Of the Who, by the who and for the who?

  38. #198244
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:41 am, hawkeye54 said:

    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:02 am, backwoods conservative said:
    Do these people have any desire to stay in office?

    Yes they do. With districts gerrymandered beyond all recognition, it would take a major miracle for an incumbant to be removed. My own district was represented by a Republican for decades until a change in the district boundaries made it virtually imossible for a Republican to win, so he retired.

    They love their nearly untouchable positions, being made even more cushy with special interest lobbies tossing money and other goodies into their mix.

    They bow to the demands of their special interest enablers who prefer open borders and a continuing flow of cheap labor and a potential and growing voter bloc.

    So what if the Stupid Party remains on the fringe as long as they can cash in on their office. Its Christmas in D.C. all year long.

    Efforts to make any meaningful changes must be made at the state or local level.

  39. #198245
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:41 am, jw said:

    Hutchinson has been looking for a way out since the amnesty debacle. She tries to talk enforcement but when it comes down to a vote or decision she can hide from people back home she is an amnesty weasel. Rumor is she wants to come home and run for Gov. I hope everyone in Texas remembers. I will

  40. #198248
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:46 am, Bugler said:

    On December 18th, 2007 at 9:46 am, buckshot said:
    This treachery should lay to rest the illusion that we have a representative government.

    Agreed.

  41. #198250
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:48 am, Salt said:

    hawkeye54 said:

    Yes they do. With districts gerrymandered beyond all recognition, it would take a major miracle for an incumbant to be removed. My own district was represented by a Republican for decades until a change in the district boundaries made it virtually imossible for a Republican to win, so he retired.

    Seems like the only miracle that would stop this would be term limits on the House and Senate.

    The problem here, of course, is why would those in power ever change the rules to limit their own power? It’s a shame that the framers of the constitution did not envision the possibility that people would like to have nothing but legislative careers. They only saw the potential for this in the executive branch.

  42. #198253
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:49 am, gayle said:

    Oh, I get it.

    Now they get FREE legal representation using tax dollars.

    THINK! IRS….time to rise up gang!

  43. #198255
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:50 am, puhiawa said:

    Traitors. And they are lead by Bush.

  44. #198257
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:51 am, jeanie said:

    Off with their heads in future elections. Treason!

  45. #198259
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:53 am, jbolty said:

    The fight over the fence is a red herring. While they are squabbling over that no one is noticing that we could very easily be doing internal enforcemant and employer sanctions; all of which cost little or nothing compared to the fence.

  46. #198261
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:54 am, jrlingreenbay said:

    If Congress won’t do their job and follow the will of the people that elected them then it is time for those same people to ensure that they do not get re-elected.

    The problem is, with our representative government, that our elected officials don’t feel the need ( until pressured immensely ) to listen to the people. Their view is that they were elected to decide what is best for us.

    I’ve seen that sentiment echoed on the Capital Hill message / blog board repeatedly where staffers anonymously complain about constituents calling about this or that, and all they do is laugh and say how ignorant these people are who call.

    They have an elitist mentality and feel their job is to choose for us.

    That mentality and this system needs to change – and one of the best ways to do so is through term limits.

  47. #198262
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:55 am, flutejpl said:

    I’m not surprised one bit by the Dems’ actions. I am a bit surprised by the bipartisan support for this measure. Did 2006 not mean anything to the GOP?

    I am intrigued by comment #30 regarding suing the federal government over failure to uphold its constitutional obligation to protect its borders. If I honestly thought it would work, I’d donate a few bucks to the effort. I don’t see how it would work, though, and it could be rather hypocritical as we’d be advocating legislating from the bench.

  48. #198264
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:58 am, ajmontana said:

    $10 million in “emergency” funding for attorneys of illegal immigrants?!!?!

    Yet another one of those “you have got to be Sh__ing me” moments. :mad:

  49. #198266
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:59 am, maisy said:

    Down in Texas the current phrase is LOCK and LOAD…….I believe they are a litle late but on the money!!
    I’m supposed to be watching my blood pressure but I think the only solution is a padded room with no access to blogs,newspapers or tv!!! GGGGGGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRR IS Right…I’m INCENSED!!!

  50. #198267
    On December 18th, 2007 at 10:59 am, CommentGuy said:

    There is still money in the bill for the fence, but they hog tie it up with all sorts of requirements.

    In the Homeland Security section pdf where the funding is laid out 

    For expenses for customs and border protection fenc-
    12 ing, infrastructure, and technology, $1,225,000,000, to re13
    main available until expended: Provided, That of the
    14 amount provided under this heading, $1,053,000,000 is
    15 designated as described in section 5 (in the matter pre16
    ceding division A of this consolidated Act): Provided fur17
    {her, That of the amount provided under this heading,
    18 $650,000,000 shall not be obligated until the Committees
    19 on Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Rep20
    resentatives receive and approve a plan for expenditure,

     prepared by the Secretary of Homeland Security and sub22
    mitted within 90 days after the date of enactment of this
    23 Act, for a program to establish a security barrier along .
    24 the borders of the United States of fencing and vehicle
    . 25 barriers, where practicable, and other forms of tactical in26
    frastructure and technology, that includes:

     

    But all this starts on page 12 of the pdf but then starting on  page 13 there is a list of 15 requirements to be met before any of the money can be spent.

     Also there is other stuff that says each segment which is defined as a 15 mile long section of the fencing has to be individually approved.

  51. #198272
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:02 am, orlandocajun said:

    So Texas…You’ve been sold-out by your Senator. So a Senator from Maine should have no say-so regarding the fence? Well, Kay if you built the fence at Oklahoma, New Mexico and Louisiana that would be fine. Then, you could keep all your illegals in Texas. Otherwise, what you fail to do in Texas affects the entire country you idiot.

    We the people get what we deserve out of our elected officials. We keep sending them back to Washington to screw us over election-after-election.

  52. #198273
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:02 am, taylork said:

    $10 million in “emergency” funding for attorneys of illegal immigrants?!!?!

    Since when do they need a lawyer? Aren’t they just caught and then released?

  53. #198276
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:10 am, buckshot said:

    It not just the illegal labor crossing the border we have spent untold billions on a bogus war on drugs with an unsecured border.
    I pose the question does drug cartel money subvert enforcement on this side of the border?

  54. #198279
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:11 am, hawkeye54 said:

    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:02 am, taylork said:
    $10 million in “emergency” funding for attorneys of illegal immigrants?!!?!
    Since when do they need a lawyer? Aren’t they just caught and then released?

    And since when does the government need to provide funding? I thought that all came from the so-called “immigrants rights” organizations. It should. They want ‘em here they can pay for legal representation.

  55. #198284
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:15 am, gregorystephens said:

    I would like to see a list of all that voted for this garbage. Time for another round of calls to our Senators. These a**clowns just don’t learn. It might also be time to charge some of these “representatives” with treason.

  56. #198286
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:18 am, Speakup said:

    More examples of elected lawmakers off on their own agenda, who will continue their own agenda until enough effort is put into electing Patriotic and responsive lawmakers to replace them.

    With 80% of Americans wanting the invasion insanity stopped this is an issue that crosses party lines, big time.

    Do these people have any desire to stay in office?

    They believe they have little to fear.
    With gerrymandered districts, an election process that requires an organization with money and an election process ignorant citizenry, they believe its unlikely they’ll lose in an institutionalized, ruling class, American politic.

    But with enough interest, enough effort and the realization what the alternative brings, this too will change.

  57. #198292
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:23 am, radio relay said:

    “SELLOUT” is the optimum word!! Ain’t globalization wonderful? Illegal immigration is just one part of the plan.

    It’s been going on since Reagan was president.

    Elections mean nothing. Go ahead. Throw the bums out. There are many more bums ready and willing to step in and “sellout”, as well.

    The corporate and political powers that both parties are beholden to (not “we the people”) have a common agenda.

    1. Destroy the American common man, and middle class, by flooding the country with poor, uneducated illegals.

    2. Gut the Constitution (if not burn it all together) with gun control laws, hate crime laws, and political correctness.

    3. Make us into good, obedient, little workers for the global good, by outsourcing.

    4. Use the “media” for endless browbeating and carping on human induced “global warming”, based on “media science”, propaganda, and outright lies.

    5. Finally, enact laws, and put us in jail for being fat, enjoying “good” food, driving nice cars, desiring little luxuries, and enjoying our leisure time… I.E. being American will be against the law.

    Unless you are ready for armed revolt (which is a lot easier said, than done), then get ready to be dumbed down. Living in sustained ignorance and poverty by 2020, if not sooner…

    Just like the rest of the “globe”.

  58. #198297
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:25 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    Gregorystephens,
    check out the thread titled “house passes $516 billion dollar spending bill” the roll call votes are provided there.

  59. #198299
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:28 am, Chuck said:

    I voted for it before I voted against it.

    what else can you say…

  60. #198305
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:32 am, CommentGuy said:

    (1) a detailed accounting of the program’s progress to date relative to system capabilities or services, system performance levels, mission benefits and outcomes, milestones, cost targets, program management capabilities, identification of the maximum investment (including lifecycle costs) required by the Secure Border Initiative network or any successor contract, and description of the methodology used to obtain these cost figures;

    (2) a description of how activities will further the objectives of the Secure Border Initiative, as defined in the Secure Border initiative multi-year strategic plan, and how the plan allocates funding to the highest priority border security needs;

    (3) an explicit plan of action defining how all funds are to be obligated to meet future program commitments, with the planned expenditure of funds linked to the milestone-based delivery of specific capabilities, services, performance levels,mission benefits and outcomes, and program management capabilities;

    (4) an identification of staffing (including fulltime equivalents, contractors, and detailees) requirements by activity;

    (5) a description of how the plan addresses security needs at the Northern Border and the ports of entry, including infrastructure, technology, design and operations requirements;

    (6) a report on costs incurred, the activities completed, and the progress made by· the program in terms of obtaining operational control of the entire border of the United States;

    (7) a listing of all open Government Accountability Office and Office of Inspector General recommendations related to the program and the status of Department of Homeland Security actions to address the recommendations, including milestones to fully address them;

    (8) a certification by the Chief Procurement Officer of the Department that the program has been reviewed and approved in accordance with the investment management process of the Department, and that the process fulfills all capital planning and
    investment control requirements and reviews established by the Office of Management and Budget, including Circular A-II, part 7;

    (9) a certification by the Chief Information Officer of the Department that the system architecture of the program is sufficiently aligned with the information systems enterprise architecture of the Department to minimize future rework, including a description of all aspects of the architectures that were and were not assessed in making the alignment determination, the date of the alignment determination, and any known areas of misalignment along with the associated risks and corrective actions to address any such areas;

    (10) a certification by the Chief Procurement Officer of the Department that the plans for the program comply with the Federal acquisition rules, requirements, guidelines, and practices, and a description of the actions being taken to address areas of non-compliance, the risks associated with them along with any plans for addressing these risks, and the status of their implementation;

    (11) a certification by the Chief Information Officer of the Department that the program has a risk management process that regularly and proactively identifies, evaluates, mitigates, and monitors risks throughout the system life cycle and communicates high-risk conditions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Department of Homeland Security investment decisionmakers, as well as a listing of all the program’s high risks and the status of efforts to address them;

    (12) a certification by the Chief Human Capital Officer of the Department that the human capital needs of the program are being strategically and proactively managed, and that current human capital capabilities are sufficient to execute the plans
    discussed in the report;

    (13) an analysis by the Secretary for each segment, defined as no more than 15 miles, of fencing or tactical infrastructure, of the selected approach compared to other, alternative means of achieving operational control; such analysis should include cost, level of operational control, possible unintended effects

    (14) a certification by the Chief Procurement Officer of the Department of Homeland Security that procedures to prevent conflicts of interest between the prime integrator and major subcontractors are established and that the Secure Border Initiative Program Office has adequate staff and resources to effectively manage the Secure· Border Initiative program, Secure Border Initiative network contract, and any related contracts, including the exercise of technical oversight, and a certification by the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Homeland Security that an independent verification and validation agent is currently under contract for the projects funded under this heading; and

    (15) is reviewed by the .Government Accountability Office:

  61. #198307
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:33 am, John Ansell said:

    Incumbents need not apply.

  62. #198308
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:35 am, hawkeye54 said:

    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:18 am, Speakup said:
    More examples of elected lawmakers off on their own agenda, who will continue their own agenda until enough effort is put into electing Patriotic and responsive lawmakers to replace them.

    With 80% of Americans wanting the invasion insanity stopped this is an issue that crosses party lines, big time.

    Ah, for the good ol’ days of yore:

    Group of concerned and fed-up citizens, scumbag politicians, rail, tar, feathers, map of quickest route out of D.C. Some assembly required. : )

  63. #198316
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:41 am, CommentGuy said:

    It would seem to me the first sections where the fence should be built is those with the highest known proven rate of border crossers.

    You may be able to use alternate means in desert areas and such, but start clamping down on the areas where the flood of illegals is known to be happening and then add on from there, don’t start in the middle of no where which rarely if ever has someone try to cross.

  64. #198322
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:47 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    They aren’t attempting to fix the problem. They are only trying to appease.

  65. #198326
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:49 am, Regulus said:

    Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. I’ve warned several times that the border fence expansion was gesture politics.

    Michelle’s tragic prophecy reminds me of Cassandra’s paradoxical situation: having the gift of foresight and the curse of no one believing what she sees (I, for one, hope that the parallels end there).

    What else I’m reminded of is the ending of The Good Earth: the two sons gently insisting to their father, now bent over with age, that they’ll obey his wishes and not sell out the farm – but looking over him at one another and smiling.

    That’s what Congress is doing to the American people: patting us on the back and telling us that no, of course they won’t sell out to a bunch of special interests who don’t give a damn whether we have a country or not — and smiling at one another all the while.

  66. #198330
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:51 am, Monte Hall said:

    America is day upon day starting to look very Old Testament after the Israelites went into the Promised Land. First, the patriarchs (heads of the families/tribes and tribal territories) apparently didn’t do their leadership jobs, so a system of Judges was set up to lead and administer justice. Then the Judges became corrupt. Things became so screwed up (corruption, bribes, injustice, favoritism) under the Judges such that the People clamored to be like the nations around them who had Kings. Result: Saul. Fast forward to Solomon’s passing and Jeroboam’s rebellion which split Israel into two kingdoms — the northern House of Israel and the southern House of Judah. The main issue — the younger advisors to Solomon’s heir, Reheboam, advised him to not only have his government not let up on the people, but treat them even harsher (i.e even heavier taxes to support the gubment and the lifestyles of those around the King).

    God and Jesus: Please help us repent and deliver us from the increasingly heavy hand of our obviously and increasingly corrupt oligarchy, who are no longer afraid to hide their sins !!!!

  67. #198334
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:54 am, gayle said:

    Let’s start by not giving one red penny to the IRS or state governments, except what is deducted from your paychecks.

    Keep that money OR dontate it to a new fund for “BUILD THE FENCE NOW!!!!!”.

  68. #198335
    On December 18th, 2007 at 11:55 am, gayle said:

    Oops, so livid, I meant Donate.

  69. #198337
    On December 18th, 2007 at 12:02 pm, MrVIBEMAN said:

    I just DO NOT GET the Republican leadership these days!!! Are they Blind AND Stupid? Don’t they have people reading sites like this? Don’t they understand this is what their Party (not to mention most of the Nation) want? Are they just selfish and Power Hungry?
    Or do they know something we don’t?

    This is like Bizarro World.
    I’m lost and confused….

  70. #198340
    On December 18th, 2007 at 12:04 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

    Update 10:20am Eastern. The fence gets robbed, but the spending bill gives $10 million in “emergency” funding for attorneys of illegal immigrants?!!?!

    Just got here and saw this and the ONLY thing that comes to my mind is:

    Whisky Tango Foxtrot!

    This is beyond… words excape me.

  71. #198343
    On December 18th, 2007 at 12:08 pm, fretless said:

    This really got to me:

    Senator Hutchison believes that Customs and Border Protection can better decide how to utilize limited resources…

    “and i’ll prove it by FURTHER limiting their resources”.

    Grrrr!

  72. #198344
    On December 18th, 2007 at 12:09 pm, 30 pcs of silver said:

    Ronald Reagan used to say, we’ve seen the American spirit triumph too often in our lives to stop believing in it now.

  73. #198345
    On December 18th, 2007 at 12:09 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

    I have had a minute to think about it. I am in favor of it if the $10 million comes completely out of THEIR pockets.

    If they want it that bad – let them pay for it!

  74. #198346
    On December 18th, 2007 at 12:10 pm, Soliel said:

    What can we do? Who can we call???

  75. #198350
    On December 18th, 2007 at 12:16 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

    If our Founding Fathers were alive today, they would be packing up and headed to the polar regions to start another country.

    I would be joining them.

  76. #198364
    On December 18th, 2007 at 12:27 pm, coldfront said:

    God and Jesus: Please help us repent and deliver us from the increasingly heavy hand of our obviously and increasingly corrupt oligarchy, who are no longer afraid to hide their sins !!!! Monte Hall #66

    Amen, Amen,
    &
    Holy Infant Jesus
    from ALL evil influence
    Protect & Deliver Us
    & All of Your Creation.
    Cover the World with Your precious Blood.
    IHN, Amen

  77. #198365
    On December 18th, 2007 at 12:29 pm, changjin89 said:

    Tuesday Greetings Mrs. Malkin and loyal community. Grrrr indeed; this community necessarily is the Party of Grrrr. Given the apparent bipartisan intent to subvert this Republic by stealth in pursuit of a scheme of North American empire, humble patriots of diverse origins and backgrounds and from all walks of life inevitably grit their teeth in disgust. Visibly, Messrs Hunter and Tancredo of California and Colorado are doing their part as presidential candidates. Their colleague Mr. King of Iowa seems to take a conscientious part also. Mrs. Malkin’s eagle-eyed diligence and unweary nib seem indispensable for calling out the border subverters and sundry accomplices whenever they are astir. I must register here my hearty appreciation for tending well this winter campfire in Valley Forge.

  78. #198382
    On December 18th, 2007 at 12:43 pm, fretless said:

    @DesertLover: Term Limits are not the answer. There are several people who have been trying to do the right thing here. Hunter, Tancredo, and King, for example. Not all of this is just Kabuki theater.

    Look at how this was orchestrated. The democratic leadership in the house conspired with “a bipartisan group of border-state senators” to undermine the good work the republican-wing of the republican party.

    If we can regain control of the House, we have a chance. But we need to focus on the Senate. And especially the Presidency.

    All of you Huckabee supporters out there need to look closely at this, and think about why you support him — and how it mirrors your support for Bush.

    “Compasionate Conservatism” is code for open borders.

    Thompson/Hunter 08.

  79. #198389
    On December 18th, 2007 at 12:49 pm, Dimsdale said:

    FINO = BINO (border in name only)

    Sadly, these sellouts from both parties think of nothing but gaining votes from these illegals and their supporters.

    That’s it. Nothing else.

    Too bad that they are committing tacit sedition by doing so.

    The racism red herring is constantly brought out when the simplistic “anti-immigration” rhetoric begins to wear thing. Anti-immigration and anti-ILLEGAL immigration are two completely different things.

    One has to wonder who is the bigger idiot: the person that blurs the difference in speeches and news reports, or the people, excuse me, sheeple, that swallow that bullpuckey hook, line and sinker?

    While I may have to vote for a RINO to prevent her thighness from becoming president (or is it premier) of the U.S., I will definitely be holding their feet to the fire.

    RINO -> FINO -> BINO -> CINO (country in name only)

  80. #198393
    On December 18th, 2007 at 12:51 pm, coldfront said:

    Thompson/Hunter 08.
    YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!
    & be sure to include Tancredo.

  81. #198392
    On December 18th, 2007 at 12:51 pm, greenfairie said:

    Gee, thanks Congress. You will rue the day when you are too white and Anglo for your new constituents.

  82. #198394
    On December 18th, 2007 at 12:52 pm, cwdancer said:

    I am disgusted and dissapointed in Kay Bailey – Not that I have not already seen signs of this but thought (hoped!) she had seen the light.

    She just blew any chance of my vote for Gov…Wonder what Rin-Tin-Tin is up to these days….Bozo for Gov! It will be an anybody but Kay vote on my part.

    cc: Kay Bailey Hutchinson

    You know, we sure got a lot of bricks sent to Washington a while back – how about we send them to the border and build our own D@M$ fence??????? Yeah, I know. I’m an American citizen – I’d be in jail for traspassing within an hour.

  83. #198402
    On December 18th, 2007 at 12:57 pm, guspapa said:

    Quit sending them your hard earned money, stand up and fight, the scum have no use for us other than to rob us and use our money to promote nothing of interest to the American People. Globalist interests promote the loss of everything our soldiers have fought for for the last 200 years

    Lie Free Zone

  84. #198406
    On December 18th, 2007 at 1:00 pm, guspapa said:

    Numbers USA has an online petition to protest this incidious decision – Roy Beck Numbers USA

  85. #198431
    On December 18th, 2007 at 1:21 pm, madchef said:

    There is ALWAYS money for PORK but not enough money for border security.
    DON’T RE-ELECT ANYBODY!

  86. #198464
    On December 18th, 2007 at 1:57 pm, alamedaman said:

    who are they going to hire to build this fence… illegal immigrant workers! they’re going to have to make sure all the workers go on the mexican side of the border before sealing it up

  87. #198472
    On December 18th, 2007 at 2:05 pm, Alphonse said:

    Pro-illegal = pro-corruption, and the buck stops at George Bush.

    I’m surprised there isn’t more reporting from the border. The Iraq war is a fiscal disaster, but minus WMD it is essentially of interest to Israel and not newsworthy, while Hispano-fascism threatens to turn our great nation into just another banana republic. Yet nobody covers the massive illegal migration from the scene that I am aware of. Seems like here in Chicago more illegal aliens are pouring in than ever. I suppose Bush has a surge going with the intent of leaving office with an illegal alien population so great they are immovable. His legacy of corruption and stupidity.

  88. #198477
    On December 18th, 2007 at 2:11 pm, realitycheck said:

    I’d like to see a fence built around Washington DC. Nothing gets in or out. Give ‘em all a taste of how it feels to be ignored and powerless.

  89. #198483
    On December 18th, 2007 at 2:20 pm, roadrage said:

    They’ve abandoned the fence and are building a highway! Read The Late Great USA.

  90. #198485
    On December 18th, 2007 at 2:23 pm, CommentGuy said:

    Senate back in session starting debate on the omnibus funding bill.

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Border agent killed responding to possible incursion; Update: Four suspected detained in Mexico

July 24, 2009 10:21 PM by Michelle Malkin

82 Comments | 17 Trackbacks

Robert Rosas, U.S. Border Patrol, R.I.P.

Obama’s border talk: I call bull

March 12, 2009 12:39 PM by Michelle Malkin

78 Comments | 10 Trackbacks

No, he won’t.

Meanwhile, down in Mexico…

October 13, 2008 03:46 PM by Michelle Malkin

61 Comments | 0 Trackbacks

FINO: Fence funding falls short (again)

September 9, 2008 11:24 PM by Michelle Malkin

79 Comments | 4 Trackbacks

Fence to Nowhere.


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