U.S. Senate approves border security bill

WASHINGTON, July 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Senate voted unanimously to spend nearly $33 billion to bolster security along the border with Mexico.

The money does not cover 370 miles of new fencing along the Mexican border.

Less than two months ago, the Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of building the fence. But that vote simply authorized the fencing and vehicle barriers, which is different from approving the federal expenditures needed to build it, The Washington Times noted Friday.

The senators rejected proposals to boost funds for cities and states at high risk of terrorism attacks.

The bill adds border-patrol agents and more beds in detention centers to facilitate deportation of illegal immigrants, the newspaper said.

It also made digging tunnels under the border a felony.

Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of congressmen, including Rep. Rob Simmons, R-Conn., who is chairman of the intelligence subcommittee, plan to visit Toronto on Sunday and Monday on a fact-finding mission in light of Canada's sweeping anti-terror bust last month.