Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Washington State and the ranking member of the Natural Resources Committee for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I oppose this legislation, H.R. 324, because it weakens our border security and, therefore, endangers American lives.
Arizona's border with Mexico has become the focal point of much of the illegal immigration, drug smuggling, [Page: H9848] and related violence in America. This legislation will adversely impact the ability of DHS to secure part of the border. Designation as a national heritage area can prevent the Border Patrol's access to the land. It could prevent agents from using motorized vehicles or flying helicopters at low altitudes.
Such policies encourage illegal immigration and drug smuggling. The smugglers and illegal immigrants know they have a better chance of eluding capture in these areas than in better enforced border areas.
In addition, the bill will have the exact opposite effect of its stated purpose ``to conserve the region's heritage'' since smugglers and illegal immigrants often cause environmental damage. They abandon huge volumes of trash and debris. Preventing Border Patrol agents from accessing these areas will only allow this environmental destruction to continue.
I understand that language has been added in an effort to address the concerns that have been raised, but the language is ambiguous and will invite lawsuits. It does not ensure that law enforcement officials will have access to the land and be able to secure the border.
Mr. Speaker, for that reason, we should oppose this legislation.
