Bush's border fence "may never be built, at least not as advertised"

[Human Torch]

In border fence’s path, legislative roadblocks
Loopholes mean fence may never be built, at least not as advertised



http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15149231/

No sooner did Congress authorize construction of a 700-mile fence on the U.S.-Mexico border last week than lawmakers rushed to approve separate legislation that ensures it will never be built, at least not as advertised, according to Republican lawmakers and immigration experts.

GOP leaders have singled out the fence as one of the primary accomplishments of the recently completed session. Many lawmakers plan to highlight their $1.2 billion down payment on its construction as they campaign in the weeks before the midterm elections.

But shortly before recessing late Friday, the House and Senate gave the Bush administration leeway to distribute the money to a combination of projects -- not just the physical barrier along the southern border. The funds may also be spent on roads, technology and "tactical infrastructure" to support the Department of Homeland Security's preferred option of a "virtual fence."

What's more, in a late-night concession to win over wavering Republicans, GOP congressional leaders pledged in writing that Native American tribes, members of Congress, governors and local leaders would get a say in "the exact placement" of any structure, and that Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff would have the flexibility to use alternatives "when fencing is ineffective or impractical." The loopholes leave the Bush administration with authority to decide where, when and how long a fence will be built, except for small stretches east of San Diego and in western Arizona. Homeland Security officials have proposed a fence half as long, lawmakers said.

[lapfog_1]

1. Yup they get to run around now talking about how they

are going to fence those dirty Mexicans out... funnel a boatload of money to contractors who
will install some cameras and sensors and charge millions for it, and of course the coyotes
will still get the slave labor to the corporations here, maintaining the status quo.

[ClintonTyree]

2. It;s turned into another GOP pork project.......

just as "Homeland Security" did. They'll distribute the money to Congressional districts around the border area, those town and cities will be flush with cash and they'll say, "what a great job Bush is doing". :eyes: Just another GOP pork barrel project. Disgusting! :mad:

[leesa]

3. Well, at least they told us it would never happen as they looted our cash

I cash this is a new approach towards honesty in government.