Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz: Vote for Spending Bill Supports Border Patrol, Border Security

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) has voted for the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, citing support for border security measures. The legislation, aimed at averting a government shutdown, includes provisions to enhance border security by increasing funding for various aspects.

The bill increases funds to focus on actual border security measures rather than processing more migrants into the country. It also includes provisions to increase ICE detention beds and provide funding for Border Patrol agents and technology improvements. Speaking about her decision to support the bill, Congresswoman De La Cruz said, "Since taking office last year, I have worked hard to pass meaningful border security legislation. Is this everything we wanted? No, but it prioritizes the hiring of thousands of Border Patrol agents, increases overtime funding for agents, and funds technology improvements agents have long requested to help them monitor and stop the flow of illegal immigration and drug smuggling across the border with Mexico."

She further mentioned, "Before taking this vote, I spoke with Border Patrol agents on the ground in South Texas who support this bill and asked for my support. With this vote, I followed through on my commitment to the Border Patrol and all law enforcement to do all I can to secure our border. This is not the end but rather the next step in our efforts to secure the border."

The appropriations act also includes a 25% increase for border security technology, such as autonomous towers, mobile surveillance technologies, tunnel detection systems, and counter-UAS, among others. The bill's provisions align with the authorization in H.R. 2 (Secure the Border Act) and the funds provided in the House-passed homeland security appropriations bill.

By supporting this spending bill, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz aims to prioritize the hiring of Border Patrol agents, improve overtime funding, and enhance technological capabilities to combat illegal immigration and drug smuggling at the border.