Obama signs border security bill

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama Friday signed the Southwest Border Security Bill in the Oval Office.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said after the signing ceremony the bill is a good first step toward comprehensive immigration reform.

The bill provides $600 million in emergency supplemental appropriations for fiscal 2010 to secure the U.S.-Mexican border and enhance federal border protection, law enforcement, and counter-narcotics activities.

The U.S. Senate approved the measure Thursday. The bill provides for more agents and equipment along the U.S.-Mexican border. It would fund 1,000 new U.S. Border Patrol agents, 250 more U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and 250 additional U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. It also would provide funding for new communications equipment and improve the use of unmanned surveillance drones.

"We want to make sure that the border itself and that -- that 2,000-mile expanse is safe and secure," Napolitano said.

Obama plans to host a dinner celebrating Ramadan in the State Dining room Friday night, his daily itinerary indicated.