Washington, D.C. - Congressman Brian Baird voted today to secure our nation’s borders and called on Congress to pass even stronger measures to deal with the illegal immigration problem. The Secure Fence Act of 2006 (H.R. 6061) will enact physical barriers, surveillance systems, and other security mechanisms along the U.S. borders to help stop the tide of illegal immigration. The bill passed the House, 283 to 138.

"We must secure our borders and stop the tide of illegal immigration. I support this common sense first step, but quite frankly, I don’t think it goes nearly far enough. A comprehensive approach to illegal immigration will involve more tough, practical solutions like this that are fair to taxpayers, seal our borders, and restore the rule of law," said Congressman Baird.

"Strengthening our border security is a crucial first step, but we must also find practical ways to deal with the 12-20 million illegal immigrants already here and the agricultural industries that would be crippled without a migrant workforce," Congressman Baird said.

"We must also enforce employment and tax laws that are already on the books. Right now, these laws are not being strongly enforced. Employers will have less incentive to hire illegal employees if we get serious about cracking down on violators," Congressman Baird said.

The Secure Fence Act:

-Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to take all actions necessary - including constructing surveillance systems and physical barriers - to achieve and maintain operational control over all of our nation’s land and maritime borders.

-Requires that 700 miles of fence be constructed along the U.S./Mexico border.
-Calls for a study of the necessity and feasibility of a barrier system along our northern border.