Texas Sen. John Cornyn outlined a border security proposal on Thursday that, unlike the president鈥檚 signature proposal, that would fence off the entire Texas-Mexico boundary. Instead, he wants to develop a comprehensive plan, which would likely entail adding border patrol agents and using technology to find and apprehend immigrants as they cross the border.
, a Washington-based reporter for the Dallas Morning News, says Cornyn has long been skeptical of relying on the kind of wall advocated by the president as a primary tool for border security.鈥淪en. Cornyn is saying, 鈥楲et鈥檚 step back and come up with a plan for a multifaceted approach to border security before we start tossing dollars at things,鈥欌�� Benning says.
Cornyn鈥檚 bill comes with a $15 billion price tag. Benning says Cornyn hasn鈥檛 been specific about where the funds would come from.
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Austin) unveiled last week. Benning says it is similar to Cornyn鈥檚 plan.
A big difference, Benning says, is that Cornyn鈥檚 bill goes after so-called 鈥渟anctuary cities鈥� where local law enforcement has refused to hold prisoners wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities. Cornyn wants to withhold federal funds from such communities, even if the money supports programs unrelated to border security or law enforcement.
Benning says that Cornyn's and McCaul鈥檚 senior roles in Congress give their bills a greater chance of serious consideration.
Written by Shelly Brisbin.
Copyright 2020 KUT 90.5. To see more, visit . 9(MDAxODQzOTgwMDEyMTcyNjI4MTAxYWQyMw004))
