Congressman Jerry Moran today asked Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to take prompt action to fully secure or remove two metal bridges that cross the Rio Grande River, which separates the United States from Mexico.
The Associated Press (AP) reported the presence of these two bridges near Acala, Texas, on Aug. 19, 2010.
According to the AP, the bridges serve as flood control structures and are owned by the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), an international body responsible for applying boundary and water treaties between Mexico and the U.S. Yet, press reports indicate the bridges are being used by individuals to illegally enter the U.S. due to a lack of adequate security.
“These two bridges provide illegal immigrants, drug smugglers and possibly even terrorists quick and easy access into our country,” Moran said. “Their presence highlights the failure of the federal government to secure our borders. Taxpayers have spent billions of dollars on border security measures, including fencing. Yet, not far from a section of fencing, these bridges undermine efforts to secure the border and frustrate taxpayers who want to see the borders secured now.”
Moran requested Secretary Napolitano work with the IBWC to rectify this gap in border security. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) and Representatives Dan Burton (R-IN), Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Lamar Smith (R-TX) joined Moran in making this request.
Moran said he believes strongly in the need to secure America’s borders and is a sponsor of the leading border security bill in Congress, H.R. 3308, the Secure America through Verification and Enforcement, or SAVE, Act. The SAVE Act will strengthen border security by hiring additional Border Patrol agents and making use of technology to monitor and protect our national boundaries.
