Sen. Hutchison, Rep. Rodriguez Propose Benchmark Border Wait Time Study
By Bill Sontag
Feature Writer
WASHINGTON – With wait times skyrocketing at border crossings across the U.S.-Mexico border, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez (D-TX) today introduced legislation to study the scope and impact of wait times at both southern and northern points of entry along the U.S. border. The study would provide the first set of comprehensive data and statistics on border wait times, and would help address the issue of increased wait times on the border. On the Senate bill, bill cosponsors include Sens. Charles Schumer (D-NY), Pete Domenici (R-NM), Jeff Bingaman (R-NM), Jon Kyl (R-AZ), and Patty Murray (D-WA). The House bill is cosponsored by Reps. Silvestre Reyes (D-TX), Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX), Solomon Ortiz (D-TX), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ).
“I believe that we must protect our nation from all security threats along our borders, yet serious traffic delays affecting the legitimate flow of commerce help no one and disrupt our state’s and nation’s economy, said Sen. Hutchison. “Our bill will help us determine a practical solution to this serious problem at our land ports of entry.”
“While it is clear that crossing points across the US-Texas border are failing to provide a reliable timetable for transportation of goods and services, reliable statistics and concrete information are not currently available for stakeholders to make informed choices on how to solve the border wait time problem,” said Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez. “No two ports of entry are the same, and likewise the solutions to wait times issues will differ from port to port. The Hutchison-Rodriguez bill will produce reliable traffic and economic data, enabling local, state, and Federal decision-makers to formulate an effective and reasonable solution for border wait times. Senator Hutchison and I are working closely to protect the vibrant economies of our border towns and cities, while meeting critical requirements for homeland security along the border.”
“The Texas Border Coalition salutes Senator Hutchison and Representative Rodriguez for their leadership in seeking long-term solutions to border wait times,” said Eagle Pass Mayor Chad Foster, Chairman of the Texas Border Coalition. “The rising delays of pedestrian and vehicular traffic at the Texas-Mexico ports of entry are harming local, state, and national economies without benefit to national security. Our reviews show U.S. procedures are to blame and we look forward to working with Senator Hutchison, Representative Rodriguez and other leaders in Congress to demonstrate that the borders can be secured while assuring the flow of legitimate travelers and business between United Sates and Mexico.”
“The Border Trade Alliance (BTA) appreciates the strong leadership of Senator Hutchison and Congressman Rodriguez on border issues,” said J. Art Macias, Chairman of the Border Trade Alliance. “This legislation provides the ability to quantify wait times at our land ports of entry, which will allow policy-makers to best identify solutions to address the growing concern over wait times and ensure for both our economic and physical security.”
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics at the U.S. Department of Transportation, the value of trade using surface transportation between the United States and Canada or Mexico was estimated at $760 billion in 2006. Cross-border traffic included 6.6 million trucks and over 30 million personal vehicles crossing the U.S.-Canada border, and over 4.7 million trucks and over 88 million personal vehicles crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. In Texas alone, over 4 million vehicles came across the Texas-Mexico border in 2006, including almost 9.9 million persons.
The Border Wait Times Study Act will direct studies by the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to accurately analyze and provide empirical data for traffic patterns and volume of commercial and passenger vehicles at international land ports of entry. Additionally, it will document the economic impacts these wait times are having on the US and its border communities on the northern and southern borders. This legislation would require the study to be completed within six months of the enactment of the legislation.
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I have to respectfully
I have to respectfully disagree with the wall. Without going into it ad nauseum I don't believe that we have tried [all] other possibilities yet. In other words the wall should be a last ditch effort [and we should show the rest of the world that it was]. You wouldn't cut off a gangrenous digit without first trying antibiotics and a band aid. In addition I firmly believe that [a wall] is much much more effective as an idea than an actual barrier. Let me explain. As noted above people are already tunneling under the wall, so actually stopping them is nigh impossible. And the wall "as a physically represented idea" will send a message to the rest of the world that we really don't want to send. Heck, if someone says "The Wall" to anyone over the age of 30 one or two things will pop into that persons mind, the failed Communist expression called the Berlin Wall and a Pink Floyd album, which was much more successful than the actual wall was. This doesn't even mention the livestock and wild game having issues with access to water. Lets not forget that this is the Chihuahua desert and in many cases for mile upon mile the only access that animals have to water is the river.
That all being said, I don't agree with some peoples opinion that we are singling Mexico out for separation due to some kind of underlying racial issue. Mexico [and those individuals] need to wake up and smell the coffee. The very idea of and need for a Wall has gotten this far due to Mexico's inability and/or unwillingness to enforce the border. We do not have millions of people sneaking across the border from Canada each year but we do along the Mexico border. Mexico has treated the U.S. like the Goose that lays the golden egg. And now they are whining that we are having problems with their collecting our eggs.
I do realize that something has to happen and happen soon or as a nation we are going to be bankrupt among other things. But I urge that other measures be taken first before the draconian measure of a "Wall" is put into place. I've personally seen what a wall can do to the psyche of a nation, both in Berlin and in Korea.
Amor, For the most part I
Amor,
For the most part I agree with what you are saying. As I said in my other post, I think that in my opinion the money could be spent better, especially on more agents and heck, even try enforceing the laws we already have but,you didn't give us a better solution. What do you think would cut down on the illegal crossings? The wall dosen't stop completely, but it does cut it way down.I don't know if more agents would do the trick or not. It's just my opinion that the money would go to better use on more agents and technology.
One thing I will say I disagree with you on is showing the rest of the world that we've tried everything else. This is one of those conditions, or if you will, example, where we to take care of this in house. I'm not worried about hurting Mexico's, France, or anybody else's feelings. This is a problem we need to take care of now.
And, I'm a little over thirty, heck I'm not even in my thirties anymore so the Pink Floyd comparisson was too funny :)
Yes I agree that the wall
Yes I agree that the wall will cut down on the crossings. But by the officials own statements the wall will serve to funnel border crossers [they do admit that a wall will not "stop" crossings]. And if I understand it correctly, the purpose behind the "funneling" is to expedite and ease the apprehension of the illegals. Taking that a bit further, electronic surveillance will accomplish the end that they are wishing to meet, "which is apprehension". Going further, electronic surveillance with the tech that I know for a fact that we have due to my years in Mil Intel, will be much much more unobtrusive and much much cheaper than a "wall". Basically we should be able to tag and bag em with a dual line system, one to indent and one to track. However I do admit that one of the the main problems lies in what you and "whirlwind" were discussing earlier. The enforcement of the current laws. If we would just do so, coupled with the surveillance we would drastically cut down the number of successful crossers. And that is exactly what they are trying to accomplish with the "very expensive, potentially lethal to wildlife and damaging to international perceptions" wall.
I know, I know that when defending ones loved ones the first response is, to heck with everything and everyone else. And that's just what we are doing here; we are defending our loved ones. But saying that international opinion is not an issue is not a safe attitude to have in this time and environment. I'm not being a bragging Texan, "or maybe I am" but Texas exports overseas, more than most countries do. No kidding. International opinion holds a very real and serious dictation on our ability to pay taxes and take care of our families and the needy. After living overseas for so many years I do see other country's problems with our arrogance and being in their words self centered. I do love my country, very much, as a matter of fact, but we really do tend to forget in this day and age that we are truly part of a much larger organism and to set ourselves apart will akin us to a cancer and the pressure of economics will excise us from the whole if we don't take care.
This all being said I'm not above draconian measures, like the wall. I just want us to try everything else first. I'm a believer in spare the rod spoil the child, but I consider the spanking of a child a draconian measure. It's sometimes necessary and a measure of last resort, but it should only be done when other measures don't work first. Spanking my children always brings tears to me, just as the building of a wall would.
We part company when you say
We part company when you say the wall is a Draconian measure. Tough times call for tough measures. And if approximately 20 million illegals in our country isn't a Draconian situation, I'd like to hear how you define it. This society needs to understand that for every action, there is a consequence. Folks crossing the borders illegally make a complete mockery of what this country stands for. Other countries control their borders. Would it hare-lip any of them if we do? Hell, no. Will it damage their psyches? I don't even want that to be a consideration.
The reality of the situation is that (1) our lackluster, gutless politicians in D.C. are afraid to do much of anything for fear of offending anyone, and (2) getting consensus on enforcement of existing laws or implementing the required technology and manpower you suggest will not be forthcoming in the foreseeable future. The wall has already been approved and funded. We should give it a go.
Desperate times with The Major Headache of the Century require Draconian measures. I repeat: WHERE'S THE FENCE?
Yes indeed, tough times call
Yes indeed, tough times call for tough measures. But they don't call for what I consider to be over reaction in the form of "first installing a wall without trying other options". The environmental issues have not even been discussed. I call this over reaction because you can't even build a road without an environmental assessment and yet up goes this wall?? There are reasons for environmental assessments and one should be done for this. If they do one I can already tell you what the answer would be. No Wall. That's why all the rush the proponents of this wall are depending upon people crying for something to happen right now and dang the torpedoes.
Oh absolutely our system is overrun by a bunch of fat cat, no risk taking, power hungry, self serving, hide bound, socially detached, no clue having politicians. Our educational and health system's both verge on complete collapse, in part due to the influx of Illegals who have paid no tax into the system to support it and yet drain it in more ways than one. Our refusal to enforce the laws or to even support those few who attempt to enforce them are a very immediate problem. Our Judges thrive on sensationalism, and public opinion, and worry whether lethal injection is cruel and unusual punishment for a death row inmate convicted of multiple murders and dismemberment, instead of the rule of law. Our politicians cringe and practice selective amnesia when 10,000 people march against enforcing the immigration laws. Whether those 10,000 actually have any clue whatsoever as to why they are really marching remains a mystery on for me as well as I'm sure the predominance of the organizers of those rally s. If you want to see any politician go glassy eyed and stone faced, ask them about the cuts to the National and State health system, and why they don't they just go ahead and arrest the illegal aliens because the broke the law rather than being just illegal immigrants. I did this once "to a certain politician" and pointed out that at no other time in history have we as a State looked the other way and aided and abetted criminals without serving any thing resembling justice. That politician no longer calls me by my first name. Yep so detached that a dose of reality is not only painful but very unwelcome. I laugh my rear off every time I get a letter from him for donations.
On an end note; I would point out that if [heaven forbid] we enforced the laws about jobs for illegal aliens, there would be no jobs and they would stop coming for work.
Let me see if I get this
Let me see if I get this right. You admit that these are tough times and that tough times call for tough measures. BUT, you apparently contradict that conclusion by saying there is time for more studying and assessing alternatives. I think your logic is de-railed.
All of your suggestions call for two things: time and money, neither of which we can afford because this problem with illegals in our country is completely out of control. Yes, our justice system is corrupt. That in itself should tell you that enforcement of existing laws will likely be unsuccessful. Surely you have heard the first thing a law school student is told when enrolling? That one should never make the mistake of equating justice with the law. Justice is a concept; the law is a system. Anything manmade is subject, naturally, to imperfection.
My alternative of choice: the fence. It is already approved and financed. Build it, and study and assess alternatives while it's going up. What goes up can always come down. In the meantime, it just might help stem the tide.
And I raise you one on politicians--I have seldom seen an honest one. When one gets to Austin or Washington, his common sense and dedication to serving his constituents turns into "what's in it for me". The reality of it reeks.
I say again: WHERE'S THE DANGED FENCE?!
I agree about the wall being
I agree about the wall being a draconain measure and I don't know what the fact me not having a problem with it says about me. All I know is something needs to be done.
To me, it says that you
To me, it says that you recognize that the need is NOW and the time for studying and assessing is a luxury we can no longer afford. WHERE'S THE FENCE?!
Got an idea for you,
Got an idea for you, Whirlwind. Run for office, get in Congress. You sure could restore some of the luster and guts. In fact, that could be your campaign slogan.
Bill Sontag
Feature Writer
Southwest Texas LIVE!
Heck, my shady past would
Heck, my shady past would disqualify me! With all the prying into backgrounds these days, every pimple and pore is scrutinized to the nth degree. I'm not willing to put up with that, or I would consider such a move. The political scene here is much like that of Del Rio, so I'm thinking of school board in particular. I'm sure I can rattle some cages. But this immigration mess really ticks me off. Why has it become politically incorrect to secure our borders? We've elected a bunch of dumb chickens to represent us. And we really do need some "guts and luster" up there. Reid and Pelosi are the two biggest clowns, in my opinion.
Nah, shady past wouldn't
Nah, shady past wouldn't disqualify you. Clarity of mind and straight talk without dissembling might get you disqualified though LOL. Saying what you think, versus what you think other people want to hear is like an anathema to those politicians. You oughta come back here an run for School Board or City Council. I would love that, and based upon what I've read of your thoughts, you'd sure have my vote.
Thanks for the great discourse and again, Merry Christmas.
AP
We agree on the tech aspect
We agree on the tech aspect being more prudent and cost effective than building a wall Amor. One thing I still disagree with you is the worrying about the worlds opinion in it. If it were some sort of genocide, well yeah that might hurt us in the eyes of the world. Don't get me wrong, I'm ,like you said, not bragging or being arrogant. I'm one of the first people to piss of his friends when they show up with a Spurs or Cowboys " world Champ" shirt or poster. I have no problem letting you know that neither of those teams are world champs. NBA or NFL champs maybe, but not world. I have a problem when that kind of arrogance goes over seas so with me not worrying about the international opinion of this wall isn't arrogance.
For those who know me beyond
For those who know me beyond my Nome De plume, I'm sure it's weird and out of character for them to hear me say "hey worry about what someone else thinks, and let if effect your actions". Especially since I'm horribly notorious for saying what I really think. But I truly do feel that this is something we should factor in to our considerations with this wall. How much of an effect should others "feelings" have on our considerations? Not a large percentage, but I do feel that it must be brought up when considering the entirety of the problem. I do admit that my concern is not so much what will happen immediately but more so in what will History say. History has not looked kindly upon those who have built walls between nations. A wall may indeed turn out to be a necessity, if it does it will well and truly break my heart.
Ya never know, in a thousand
Ya never know, in a thousand years it might be a big tourist attraction :)
Chris- Amor is a confused
Oh you're just lucky that I
Oh you're just lucky that I can't find nor post any pictures of my feet after the bottoms came off after the Ninjmegen march while I was in Germany. I was young and didn't know that bloodless raw meat was actually white or light colored, until I saw that. 100 klicks of fun and enjoyment in two day's. When I pulled my hose off [yes hose], the bottom of my feet came off with them [would have been worse with plain socks]. I just layered my feet with moleskin and kept going. I'm sure PitBull will agree things can only hurt just so much and then you deal with it. At least I wasn't getting shot at like he was. [Thank God] We actually had guy's that had blisters formed between the bone and the meat. Those guy's got pulled off the trail. The guy in this vid is just a plain wuss :)
Oh and you know that I'm going to whack you in the shin's for comparing me to that; well lets just call him an issue, :)
Yes, enforce the laws
Yes, enforce the laws already on the books. Elect a Sheriff like the one in Maricopa County, Arizona, who has guts enough to do just that. Meanwhile, if a fence is already approved, and funding approved, build it. Sure, there are ways around it. BUT, the brush folks complain about along the border will be taken out to build it. It WILL be a deterrent and WILL slow down the flow. INS and Border Patrol and Homeland Security (or whatever they call themselves now) can recruit and train additional enforcement agents to patrol and protect.
Certainly Mexico has a problem. Why don't they fix it? As I said, the U.S. is NOT the Great Benefactor for the entire world. We are NOT the parent country of Mexico,or any other country trying to "invade" us.
And we need REAL help in Texas if this woman becomes governor.
Whirlwind, he who controls
Whirlwind, he who controls the checkbook controls the deal. There would be no illegal immigration problem today, or an ongoing problem, if the Feds had enforced, and will enforce laws on the books directed at employers of an illegal.
Give me a break. Study,
Give me a break. Study, study, study--by folks who haven't a real clue to border problems. Taxpayer dollars are spent on worthless studies that are obsolete and of little value after they are completed. Wait-time appears to be a problem tied in with immigration issues. Our focus must be on securing our borders. Once that is done, other problems can more easily be addressed and resolved. First, the fence. As the Grassfire organization continues to ask, WHERE'S THE FENCE? I can hear you protesters now. Well, sit down and shut up and get ready for a fence. OF COURSE it won't solve the problem of illegal immigration. HOWEVER, it can be a first step toward doing so. It has been authorized, although some in Congress are trying to stifle that legislation. All countries have an inherent right to protect their borders. The United States has not done so, to the detriment of our society now. Our very open, porous borders have led to the expectation by much of the world that they every right not only to come here, but that we have the obligation to both welcome and support them. Heck with any "rules". Folks, the United States is NOT the FREE LUNCH FOR THE WORLD. Secure and monitor our borders. FIRST. Then, other difficulties will be much easier to resolve.
"OF COURSE it won't solve
"OF COURSE it won't solve the problem of illegal immigration. HOWEVER, it can be a first step toward doing so. "
Out in California where they have the "dreaded ugly offensive to our neighbors wall", it's already proven to cut down on illegal crossings.I can't remember of the top of my head the percent that was given but, it was a staggering amount.Now the drug smugglers are digging under it.If you've been watching the news of the last few days, the govt has now given the landowners who are protesting the wall 30 days to respond to I believe, the price the govt has said they will pay for the land,or else they(govt) may implement emient domain.So, to all the nay sayers about how the wall won't help at all, just read the facts, it's already been proven.I'll try and find that percentage number again and post a link to back up what I am saying.
Works for me. Wish the
Works for me. Wish the leaders of the fair City of Del Rio would agree,instead of saying they don't want the fence. They don't, but WE DO. WHERE'S THE FENCE???
Works for me also.Most
Works for me also.Most people I speak to favor the wall, not because they think it's the best option but, as me, haven't a better idea. Our fair mayor has pretty much cemented my vote against him in the next election from all of the traveling he's done to speak out against the wall. Thats not why I voted for him. I honestly think we have more important issues at hand than trying to stop a federal freight train. I honestly do not like the idea of a huge fence and think the money could be spent better on agents and technology but, facts dont lie. I have an idea of why so many hate the thought of a fence going up but, as I don't want to open a Pandoras box of racial slander since I'm an Anglo and ,when ever I don't agree with the minority consenus I'm automatically branded a raciscts, I'll let this one go.