Border security added to bill

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The House yesterday added to the $81.3 billion supplemental defense spending bill a provision to tighten border security, a measure criticized by Mexico but praised by some lawmakers as a way to thwart terrorism.

House Republicans said the measure, which was attached to the spending bill by voice vote, would enhance national security by making it harder for terrorists to enter the country and therefore belongs in the war-spending package.

"American citizens have a right to know who is in their country," said Rep. Lamar Smith, Texas Republican.

But Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, Texas Democrat, said although she backs the package to support U.S. troops, the "anti-immigrant" bill is "a poison pill" and should not have been attached.

The border security measure would:

• Require states to verify they aren't giving driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, or the federal government will not recognize that state's licenses as valid identification.

• Give judges broader power to deport political asylum seekers suspected of terrorism.

• Allow construction of roads and barriers for border security without regard to environmental protections.

The House bill is supported by the White House but faces stiff opposition in the Senate, where lawmakers have concerns about several provisions. Senators who have been pushing comprehensive immigration reform see the House bill as a piecemeal approach.

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