Crapo Supports Bill to Fund Border Security Priorities

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo this afternoon voted to support a measure that will keep the government open while also funding projects to secure our border.  Following the vote, Crapo issued this comment: 

“I supported today’s measure because it takes a step toward making our communities safer.  Bicameral, bipartisan appropriators diligently advanced a compromise proposal that addresses urgent priorities in the seven outstanding appropriations packages.  For homeland security, this agreement provides more than $1.3 billion for physical security barriers along portions of our border that have been designated as the highest priority by our Border Patrol.  Additionally, it provides an unprecedented $22.5 billion for overall border security initiatives that includes law enforcement personnel and drug trafficking prevention.  Locally, this bill will also fund the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, which provides funding to Idaho’s counties to make up for lost revenues from federal ownership of lands. 

“The President has also indicated he intends to declare a national emergency to use specific powers to secure our border. We need additional physical barriers securing our border.  In the coming days, I will work closely with my Senate colleagues and with the White House to learn the details of the President’s intentions and how they will be implemented.” 

The bill now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives. 

# # #