Border fence provision cut from bill

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, says a provision to build more fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border was cut out of a federal spending bill.

The Houston Chronicle reported Thursday the provision, which would have added 300 miles to current border fencing, is no longer part of a $42.8 billion spending bill for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

House members from Texas, Arizona and California labeled additional fencing as an ineffective way to boost border security, leading to the provision's removal.

"We need to invest and secure our border and our land ports without being tied down to an amendment that is out of touch with border needs," Cuellar said.

The U.S. Senate had approved the provision submitted by Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., in July with a 54-44 vote.

The Chronicle said the provision was removed by Senate and House negotiators this week in light of political opposition in the House.

An unidentified Department of Homeland Security spokesman said more than 630 miles of fence and barriers have been completed along the border to date.