Senate Passes Border Security Bill, Honors Stevens
By: Colin Clarke
Updated: August 12, 2010
(Washington, DC) -- The Senate has approved a roughly 600-million dollar bill aimed at boosting border security.
Senators also passed a resolution honoring former Senator Ted Stevens.
The Alaska Republican was killed in a plane crash this week.
Both measures passed quickly with only two senators present in a process known as "unanimous consent." Lawmakers are in their annual August recess.
Senate leaders authorized a brief session to deal with the border security measure, which they view as a key election year priority.
The bill includes money for more Border Patrol agents, weaponry, high tech support and unmanned drones to patrol the border.
After earlier passage by the House, the border bill now goes to President Obama for his signature.
Meantime, New York Democrat Chuck Schumer urged bipartisan support for comprehensive immigration reform legislation.
(Copyright 2010 by VERTEXNews/Newsroom Solutions)
