WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, released the following statement regarding his vote to strengthen border security and keep the government fully open:

“This legislation provides a credible down payment on strengthening America’s border security. It funds 55 miles of new border barriers in high-risk areas along our southwest border. It puts more boots on the ground with the addition of 800 border agents, which is higher than last year’s level. And it fortifies ports of entry with 600 more customs officers and the deployment of advanced technology.

“Republicans successfully stopped a radical Democrat proposal to cap the number of illegal immigrants the federal government can detain. That dangerous plan would have resulted in the release of criminal illegal immigrants into American neighborhoods.

“The funds in this legislation allow President Trump to continue to move forward on efforts to secure our southern border, stop illegal immigrants from entering our nation, and stop deadly drugs from crossing the southern border.”

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