Louisiana U.S. Senator Heads To The Border

Senator Mary Landrieu traveled to the United States’ southwest border last week to view immigration and efforts to combat drug smuggling and human trafficking.  During her trip, U.S Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement briefed Sen. Landrieu and Sen. Dan Coats, who serves as the senior Republican member on her subcommittee.

After returning from the southwest border, Sen. Landrieu led a bipartisan group of senators to introduce the Border Tunnel Prevention Act.  The proposed legislation gives law enforcement important new tools to investigate and prosecute attempts to compromise our borders and smuggle contraband into the United States.

“Our investments in fencing, vehicle barriers, surveillance technology, and additional agents are paying dividends along the borders, and criminal organizations have been forced to modify their tactics as a result,” Sen. Landrieu.

As Americans watched President Barack Obama on TV Wednesday evening announce the next phase in the war in Afghanistan, Sen. Landrieu shared her thoughts about his decision.  As Chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Sen. Landrieu will continue working to keep our nation safe from acts of terror of all kinds.

“With the death of Osama bin Laden and with dozens of other Al Qaeda leaders having been captured or killed, it is time to refocus the strategic use of our military forces and transfer responsibility to the government of Afghanistan,” Sen. Landrieu said. “I look forward to teaming with our military leaders to pursue a strategy that keeps our nation secure while bringing our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines back home.”