I
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 4987
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 16, 2008
Mr. Jones of North Carolina (for himself and Mr. King of New York) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security
A BILL
To require construction of fencing and security improvements in the border area from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Fence By
Date Certain Act
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Construction of fencing and security improvements in border area from pacific ocean to gulf of mexico
In general
Section 102(b)(1) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–208; 8 U.S.C. 1103 note) is amended to read as follows:
Security features
Reinforced fencing
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure construction of at least 2 layers of reinforced fencing, and the installation of additional physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors—
extending from 10 miles west of the Tecate, California, port of entry to 10 miles east of the Tecate, California, port of entry;
extending from 10 miles west of the Calexico, California, port of entry to 5 miles east of the Douglas, Arizona, port of entry;
extending from 5 miles west of the Columbus, New Mexico, port of entry to 10 miles east of El Paso, Texas;
extending from 5 miles northwest of the Del Rio, Texas, port of entry to 5 miles southeast of the Eagle Pass, Texas, port of entry; and
extending 15 miles northwest of the Laredo, Texas, port of entry to the Brownsville, Texas, port of entry.
Priority areas
With respect to the border described—
in subparagraph (A)(ii), the Secretary shall ensure that fence construction is completed by May 30, 2008; and
in subparagraph (A)(v), the Secretary shall ensure that fence construction from 15 miles northwest of the Laredo, Texas, port of entry to 15 southeast of the Laredo, Texas, port of entry is completed by December 31, 2008.
Additional areas
With respect to the duties described in subparagraph (A) that are not otherwise assigned a deadline under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall ensure that such duties are completed by June 30, 2009.
Exception
If the topography of a specific area has an elevation grade that exceeds 10 percent, the Secretary may use other means to secure such area, including the use of surveillance and barrier tools.
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Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the amendment made by subsection (a).
Repeals
Subsection (b) of section 564 of division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110–161) is repealed. The amendment made by subsection (a)(2)(A) of such section is repealed.