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Cornyn, McCaul Call for Standards for Measuring Border Security

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Texas lawmakers in Washington want the Department of Homeland Security to define what successful border security means.

Today, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Austin) filed legislation that would require the department to set metrics for achievement and solutions for reaching those standards.

Cornyn says it’s an important step to take in immigration reform.

“Democrats and Republicans, everyone acknowledges that border security is an important component of it," Cornyn said. "But, right now, we have no way to measure it. And that’s what this bill would compel.”

Cornyn and McCaul also want to require federal agents on the border to apprehend at least 90 percent of people who enter the country without an inspection. And they want wait times at the nation's ports reduced by 50 percent.

McCaul said he would also like to see more technology used on the border  – such as UAVs (commonly known as drones).

Laura first joined the KUT team in April 2012. She now works for the statewide program Texas Standard as a reporter and producer. Laura came to KUT from the world of television news. She has worn many different hats as an anchor, reporter and producer at TV stations in Austin, Amarillo and Toledo, OH. Laura is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, a triathlete and enjoys travel, film and a good beer. She enjoys spending time with her husband and pets.
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