Public Description:
H.R. 6061, the Secure Fence Act, would direct DHS to achieve and maintain “operational control” of our borders within 18 months of enactment; would require annual reports from DHS to Congress regarding the progress made toward achieving and maintaining operational control over all international borders; would require DHS to provide for at least two layers of reinforced fencing, the installation of additional physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors in five specified lengths (encompassing approximately 700 miles) along the United States’ southwestern border, with a specified span of border near Laredo, Texas required to be fenced by December 31, 2008; would require surveillance cameras to be installed in the designated locations by May 30, 2007, and fence construction in those areas to be completed by May 30, 2008; would allow other means of security (e.g., surveillance, etc.) if the topography of a specific area has an elevation grade exceeding 10 percent; would require DHS to study – and report to Congress within one year of enactment on – the feasibility of implementing an infrastructure security system along the northern land and maritime borders, and requires the study to include the necessity of implementing such a system as well as the feasibility of implementation and the economic impact thereof; and would require DHS to evaluate Customs and Border Protection’s authority to stop vehicles that enter the United States illegally and refuse to stop when ordered to do so by CBP personnel, and to review resources available and CBP training related to stop illegally-entering vehicles.
