Say Anything Blog

Langley Perry at Save the GOP

WASHINGTON - 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 Homeland Security Department’s preferred option of a “virtual fence.”

Shame on the Republicans, including President Bush, for pulling a bait-and-switch on this issue. Gambling with border security for political means is dangerous and opposite to the Republican Party’s principles… that’s assuming the Party has any left.

This is ridiculous. Will it even matter if the Democrats take control of Congress? They would pass bills, and Bush would veto them. I’m almost starting to like the prospects of a gridlocked government the more I hear of clownery on the Hill such as this recent maneuver in immigration enforcement (or lack thereof).