Senate bill backs port security upgrades

Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., unveiled legislation Wednesday that would spend $925 million over five years to upgrade the infrastructure and technology at the ports of entry along the borders with Canada and Mexico.

After the Sept.11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Domenici said, the federal government passed legislation modernizing America's airports and seaports. But he argued that it is now time to also do this along the borders, especially with all of the commerce that passes between these ports of entry.

Sens. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., and John McCain, R-Ariz.-all of whom represent border states-joined Domenici in introducing this bipartisan bill, which is called the "Border Infrastructure and Technology Modernization Act."

Rep. Jim Kolbe, R-Ariz., will introduce companion legislation in the House.