Democratic Whip Says Measure is "Yet Another Example of Failed, Do-Less-Than-Do Nothing Republican Congress"
WASHINGTON – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after President Bush signed the Republicans’ “Border Fence” Bill into law:
“No one in America should be fooled by the trumped up bill signing ceremony at the White House today. This new law is nothing more than a cynical, vain attempt by Republicans to try to show some accomplishment on border security where they can claim none.
“In reality, this new law is a quintessential example of the Republican Party’s political grandstanding and empty rhetoric. The truth is, this Republican Congress has failed to even fund the construction of this 700-mile fence, which will cost an estimated $2 billion to $7 billion. Furthermore, the way the fence is defined in this Republican legislation is not even supported by the Bush Administration.
“Again today, with this signing ceremony, we see the Republican Party acting out of political desperation. Rather than work with Democrats on border security, the Republican Party is engaging in a cynical charade that is designed to do one thing – try to score political points.
“In reality, House Republicans have repeatedly defeated Democratic efforts to enhance our border security over the last five years. By every measure, immigration enforcement has fallen significantly under President Bush.
“We need a real solution on this critical issue, not political stunts. Democrats are committed to a real solution on border security and believe we must take our nation in a new direction.”
Congressman Hoyer is the Federal Representative for the Fifth Congressional District of Maryland. The Fifth District encompasses all of southern Maryland. Members of the United States House of Representatives serve two-year terms. Mr. Hoyer also serves as the Minority Whip. The Minority Whip is a member of the minority party in the U.S. House of Representatives who assists the Minority Leader in coordinating the party caucus in its responses to legislation and other matters.
Mr. Hoyer's website is located at http://www.hoyer.house.gov/. His office can be reached at (202) 225-4131. More biographical info on Mr. Hoyer can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steny_Hoyer.