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[Page S7196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
BORDER SECURITY
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, after visiting our southern border
countless times, most recently in August when I toured the Mexican side
of the border with their deployed National Guard units, I know that we
face a dire situation that is only improving because of the aggressive
action taken by President Trump. As he and I both know, more needs to
be done. Securing our border is vital to national security.
In our discussions with the Mexican Government following my recent
trip, they expressed strong support for doing work on their southern
border to stem the tide of illegal immigrants from other nations in
Central America. Accordingly, I am proud to introduce the Mirador-
Calakmul Basin Maya Security & Conservation Partnership Act, which will
provide critical resources to the region to supplement the efforts made
by the Government of Mexico to secure its own southern border. These
resources will be critical because increased insecurity and lack of
economic opportunity in this region are drivers of emigration from
Guatemala and Mexico to the United States as local communities face
pressure to participate in deforestation, logging, narcotics
trafficking and other illicit activities. It is in the best interest
for the national security of the United States to support political
stability, reduced migration, reduction of poverty, and enhanced
economic development around the basin in Guatemala and Mexico.
The Mirador Basin features beautiful Mayan ruins with networks of
pyramids, palaces, and ancient cities that many consider to be the
eighth wonder of the world, and I would agree. I used to fly my plane
over the Mirador Basin, and I have seen the magnificent structures with
my own eyes. My legislation will support efforts made by the Department
of the Interior, the Department of State, the Mexican Government the
Guatemalan Government and various universities and research
institutions to secure this region and ensure future generations are
afforded the same opportunity to see these magnificent Mayan ruins.
One of the most important things we can do to secure this region is
support the local communities surrounding the Mirador Basin by
providing economic opportunity and ensuring that this community
receives direct economic benefit. If the members of the local community
are able to find work in the region, it will greatly reduce the
incentive to attempt the arduous journey to illegally immigrate to the
United States.
Mr. President, it is critical that we secure our southern border.
Border security is national security. It is just that simple. There are
many proposals targeting this issue, and I support many of them--
including building the wall. This additional legislation is a targeted
approach, and I thank Senators Udall and Risch for joining me in this
initiative.
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