Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (Ala.-05), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that the House approved legislation on Monday that would provide increased funding for efforts to prevent illegal immigration.

“Combating illegal immigration is one of the nation’s most pressing issues,” said Cramer.  “I continue to hear from countless people who are concerned with the federal government’s response in enforcing our laws.  This agreement provides increased funding that will help increase security along our border as well as give law enforcement additional tools to combat illegal immigration.”

Specifically, the House approved the conference agreement for the Fiscal Year 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act. This agreement would provide $9.4 billion for Customs and Border Protection, a $657 million increase over than the Administration’s request and $1.2 billion above FY 2007 funding levels.  The total would include $1.6 billion to construct 370 miles of security fencing along the U.S. border by December 31, 2008, as well as enough funding to hire of an additional 3,000 Border Patrol Agents. 

In addition, the conference agreement will provide $4.7 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  This amount is $770 million above FY 2007 funding levels and $567 million more than the Administration’s request.  This total included $200 million to develop a program to help identify illegal immigrants already in custody.

Representative Cramer is an opponent of amnesty for illegal immigrants.  He works in Congress to give local law enforcement additional tools and resources to track, detain, and deport illegal aliens.  He also works to increase the number of Border Security Agents and to provide funding for the construction of a secure fence and other barriers along the U.S. border.

The conference agreement for the FY 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act will provide funding for the entire federal government, except the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).  Funding for DoD was signed into law in November.

The FY 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act now moves to the Senate for consideration.