U.S. Congressman Paul Broun Hosts Discussion on Border Security

Augusta, GA - April 4, 2008 - U.S. Congressman Paul Broun (R-GA). today hosted a congressional forum on border security for the United States House of Representatives Science and Technology Committee at Augusta State University. The discussion included a panel of government, industry, and academic experts. The panel discussed the range of security threats at our nation’s borders and how science and technology can be a part of a strong border security strategy.

“A nation without secure borders is not a secure nation.  Sadly, America is not a secure nation.  In the six and a half years since the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, our government has failed to secure our borders and protect our nation,” said Broun. “We must immediately close our borders to prevent terrorists, illegal immigrants, and drug traffickers from entering our great nation.”

It is estimated that there are over 12 million illegal aliens currently residing in the United States, with thousands more crossing the border illegally each day. Broun believes the U.S. government should use every means possible, including the latest technology, to combat this threat against America and our way of life. The Committee on Science and Technology has been at the forefront of these efforts through H.R. 3916, a bill sponsored by Congressman Ralph Hall (R-TX) and cosponsored by Congressman Broun. This legislation focuses on three key long-term technologies that could substantially help border agents improve the security of our nation’s borders:  unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), tunnel detection, and anti-counterfeit technology.

Although severe storms in Texas prevented Congressman Hall from attending today's forum he released the following statement in support of Broun's leadership on this issue:

“I introduced H.R. 3916 to reduce our vulnerabilities at the border, but it is just one step in the ongoing activities that Congressman Broun and I are undertaking to address our border security problem,” said Hall. “We are committed to helping our local, state, and national agents control our borders. Doing so will require that we carefully plan and coordinate border technologies so that we protect the American taxpayer. Our goal is an effective, efficient, and evolving border defense and I look forward to continuing my efforts with Congressman Broun’s help.”

“We live in the greatest nation that mankind has ever witnessed,” said Broun. “There is nothing we can not do if we put our collective will together.  As a nation, we need to make many difficult choices to uphold the rule of law, and to regain control of our chaotic borders.  It is what the American people want, it is what they expect, and what each and every American deserves.”

The following witnesses gave expert testimony before Congressman Broun:                     

Capt. David Newton, Director, Border and Maritime Division, Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate;
Mr. John Stammreich, Vice President for Global Strategy, Network and Space Systems, The Boeing Company;
Dr. Gisele Bennett, Ph.D., Director, Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory, Professor, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Tech Research Institute / Georgia Tech;
Mr. Adam Strange, President/GM, ICX Tactical Platforms, Atlanta & Ellaville, GA;
Mr. Franklin Brown, Vice President, Dixie Precast, Inc., Austell, GA.

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