Secure Fence Act adds fencing, technology to border The U.S. House of Represenatives voted this afternoon to put some teeth into U.S. border security. By a vote of 283 to 138, Members approved several measures to improve the nation's border security. The Secure Fence Act would strengthen operational control of all borders and ports through additional physical barriers and fencing and greater use of state-of-the-art technology and surveillance along the southwest border, The Act:

Authorizes more than 700 miles of two-layered reinforced fencing along the southwest border with prioritized placement at critical, highly populated areas and requiring an evaluation of infrastructure needs along the northern border.

Mandates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) achieve and maintain operational control over the entire border through a "virtual fence" that deploys cameras, ground sensors, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and integrated surveillance technology.

Requires the Department of Homeland Security to provide all necessary authority to border personnel to disable fleeing vehicles, similar to the authority held by the United States Coast Guard for maritime vessels.

Requires the Department of Homeland Security to assess vulnerabilities on the northern border.

Congressman Istook, who has taken a leading role in the fight to secure America's borders, commented after the vote: "Some people just don't get it. Without real changes to the physical barriers at our borders, we cannot fix this problem. We're still allowing dangerous people to simply walk into the country. Today we took a big step toward solving this problem with real-world, effective measures. We still have much to do, including helping local law enforcement join in the battle. But physically securing our borders is long overdue." Posted at 9/14/2006 04:08:00 PM