Politics

Conaway Amendment Clears Brush from the Border

In July, Rep. Mike Conaway (TX-11) introduced an amendment to the Homeland Security Appropriations bill to aid the border patrol in interdicting illegal immigrants trying to enter the U.S. illegally. The amendment would provide the border patrol with $5 million dollars to eradicate the tactical cover that runs along the banks of the Rio Grande River on the Texas-Mexico border. This amendment was included in the omnibus appropriations bill that will pass through the U.S. House of Representatives today.
The Texas-Mexico border along the Rio Grande River is inundated with free-growing, large weeds such as Russian Olive, Salt Cedar and Carrizo Cane. The weeds can grow to be 10-15 feet in height and provide excellent cover for anyone attempting to enter the U.S. illegally. Conservationist note that removing these cover plants could dramatically increase the flow of water through the Rio Grande. Austin Weatherford- Legislative Assistant to Rep. Mike Conaway

Full post as published by Mike Conaway's Blog on December 19, 2007 (boomark / email).