Republican lawmakers press DHS on border fence

A group of House Republicans on Tuesday called on the Homeland Security Department to build 700 miles of double-layered fencing along the border with Mexico, as required under a 2006 law.

Leading the group, Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., has introduced legislation that would place such a mandate on the department. Congress removed the requirements in the 2006 law as part of the fiscal 2008 omnibus appropriations bill.

But the Republicans said they are committed to seeing the fencing built. "This to me is a matter of national security," Jones said during a news conference. "We believe sincerely that this issue cannot be delayed."

Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff told reporters Monday that the department plans to have 670 miles of fencing and vehicle barriers constructed along the border by the end of this year.

But that is unacceptable to Republicans like House Homeland Security ranking member Peter King, who introduced the 2006 law. "I'm not satisfied with that answer," King said of Chertoff's remarks. He said the department only plans to build 370 miles of physical fencing, of which a small fraction will be double-layered.

Chertoff also said he believed the border would be secured by 2011. But the secretary said it could be secured sooner if Congress passed comprehensive immigration reform that includes a guest-worker program.