Congressman Lamar Smith, Twenty First Congressional
District of Texas
Washington, D.C. — Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-TX) today issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear a challenge by environmental groups to the construction of a fence on the U.S.-Mexico border:
“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court to uphold the right of the Administration to pursue the expeditious construction of the border fence is a victory for the American people. According to recent estimates, nearly half a million illegal immigrants cross the border annually. That’s why in 2006, Congress passed the Secure Fence Act, authorizing the Department of Homeland Security to build a fence along parts of the U.S.-Mexico border. Unfortunately, environmental groups have sought to restrict the Government’s authority in an effort to slow down the construction process.
“While environmental protection laws are certainly important, they should not prohibit law enforcement officials—who are tasked with securing the border—from doing their jobs. The Court’s refusal to hear the case upholds the lower court’s decision and ensures that the Department of Homeland Security can carry out Congress’ mandate to build a fence along the U.S.-Mexico border without legal restrictions or interference from environmentalists.”
