Murray Calls Northern Border Vulnerability Depicted in GAO Report “Unacceptable”

(Washington, D.C) – Today, U.S Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement in response to a Government Accountability Offices (GAO) report that described how dangerous materials can be easily transported over the northern border. The report describes how GAO investigators easily transferred dummy materials across border lines in unmonitored areas.

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"This report is just as unacceptable as it is shocking. Almost a decade after Ahmed Ressam was caught sneaking explosives across the northern border and six years after 9/11, we simply cannot accept this level of vulnerability.

“I have worked repeatedly to call national attention to this problem and have invested millions in securing this glaring soft-spot in our national security. Unfortunately, this Administration has provided neither the focus nor the funding necessary to make real progress.”

“This year, I included vital law enforcement funding for northern border communities that bear the brunt of illegal border crossings. This funding will provide law enforcement with cutting-edge technology and communications equipment and will help pay for jail space, prosecutors and judges in our state’s northern border communities.

“Unfortunately, the President has said that he will veto this vital northern border funding even as he requests an additional $189 billion for the War in Iraq."

Senator Murray has long worked to draw attention to the security needs of the northern border and has repeatedly funded law enforcement efforts there.

Senator Murray worked to fund the creation of the first northern border air patrol unit  that has provided Customs officials with a critical aerial presence. This presence helps prevent illegal incursions by terrorists, drug smugglers and other criminals.

This year, Senator Murray included vital law enforcement funding for northern border communities that bear the brunt of illegal border crossings.

The President has said that he will veto this funding which is included in the Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations bill.