A bill that would give Customs and Border Protection quicker access to more federal land along the border has passed a U.S. Senate committee. Sen. John McCain, the bill’s sponsor, said current restrictions on vehicular traffic are slowing officer response times.
Border Patrol agents already operate under more relaxed federal land management laws near the international border. What’s known as the Arizona Borderlands Protection and Preservation Act would reduce regulations even further.
In a committee hearing, several senate democrats expressed opposition and proposed an amendment allowing it to expire after four years. Sen. Tom Carper of Delaware said the amendment would help garner more support for the bill.
McCain responded, "I have a border that’s not controlled and I have wildlife refuges that are being destroyed. So in all due respect, frankly, I don’t give a damn."
McCain ultimately agreed to the amendment.
Environmental groups said the bill is a bad idea for southern Arizona, arguing it waves too many environmental protections.
