McCaul to Napolitano: Border Sheriffs Need Full Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX 10) urged consideration of his bill to fully fund border sheriffs after the Obama administration announced a modest shift in funds that falls far short of law enforcement’s needs.

In sharp contrast, "Funding is necessary and the current amount, although appreciated, falls short of the true need," said Donald Reay, Executive Director of the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition. "Local governmental entities cannot afford to support this partnership without the support of the Federal government in the area of overtime, travel costs, direct operating costs, and equipment. All are critical to the mission of protecting our communities."

As Chair of the Subcommittee on Investigations, Congressman McCaul authored the 2006 report H.R. 2047, introduced by Congressman McCaul April 22, would authorize increased funding for Operation Stonegarden to $500 million for each of FY 2010-2014. The current level does not give sheriffs the long-term funding commitment needed to retain qualified officers and replace substandard equipment.

A Line in the Sand: Confronting the Threat at the Southwest Border, exposing the emergence of the drug cartels and potential for violence. Also, prior to entering Congress, McCaul was Chief of Counter-terrorism at the US Attorney’s Office overseeing the Southwest Border.

"I commend the administration for taking action, but our border sheriffs need much more than a minor shift in funding," said Rep. McCaul, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Intelligence Subcommittee. "My bill gives border sheriffs the resources they’ve been asking for to do their jobs and it has bipartisan support. The border is our last line of defense against drugs, terrorists and weapons of mass destruction entering this country. If we’re serious about national security, the border has to be better funded."

Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced a shift in current funding levels within the Operation Stonegarden grant program. 76% of the $60 million program will now go to southern border states with 24% going to states along the northern border. Currently, southern states receive 60% of the total. Texas’ share will increase to $17 million from $13 million.