Senators demand tighter security along northern border

Senators demanded to know Thursday how much more personnel and technology the Homeland Security Department needs to secure the nation's border with Canada, after government investigators were able to sneak into the United States undetected on multiple occasions while simulating the smuggling of radioactive materials.

At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, panel members expressed outrage over the findings of a Government Accountability Office probe, in which investigators traveled across sections of the northern border undetected while carrying a duffel bag to simulate the smuggling of radioactive materials or other contraband.

"We need to get border security right, lives depend on it," said Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus, whose home state of Montana borders Canada. "GAO's testimony today is, in a word, alarming."

Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, called GAO's findings "deeply disturbing news." Greg Kutz, a GAO managing director, asked: "Is there sufficient human capital and technology for [Homeland Security officials] to achieve their mission at this point? I think that's a serious question for the U.S. Congress and the Senate to address."

Border Patrol Deputy Chief Ronald Colburn told the committee the department uses a mix of technology, personnel and infrastructure to monitor the borders.

"You don't always see us when we always see you," he said.

In response to questions, Colburn disclosed that at any given time only 250 Border Patrol officers are on duty along the northern border, which stretches about 4,000 miles. "We agree that the border is not as secure as it should be," he conceded.

Baucus shot back: "It sounds like we need more people."

Senators repeatedly asked Colburn how many more officers are needed along the northern border.

"That's the multibillion dollar question," Colburn replied.

Senators said they did not feel Colburn was being candid with them. After about an hour of testimony, Baucus scolded Colburn, saying he was being vague and evasive in answering questions from the panel.

"Here we are in the Congress trying to get specific answers ... and you're trying to protect yourself," Baucus said. "I don't get the sense you really care about this."

Colburn defended himself. "I take this very seriously," he said. "I think I've been very candid with all of you." He said more progress is being made in securing the northern and southern borders than ever, especially with the help of technology and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Colburn said the majority of resources are placed along the southern border because 99 percent of all illegal activity takes place in that region.

Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., said the Border Patrol might not be aware of how much illegal activity is taking place along the northern border because it is not monitored as much. Salazar said there is "a huge chasm" in terms of resources going to the southern border, compared to the northern border.