05 LC 98
0119
Senate
Resolution 121
By:
Senators Cagle of the 49th, Mullis of the 53rd, Smith of the 52nd, Thomas of the
54th and Rogers of the 21st
A
RESOLUTION
Supporting
and commending the men and women who serve as Patrol Agents in the United States
Border Patrol, a part of the United States Customs and Border Protection,
Department of Homeland Security.
WHEREAS,
the United States Border Patrol has 20 sectors responsible for detecting,
interdicting, and apprehending those who attempt to illegally enter or smuggle
people, including terrorists, or contraband, including weapons of mass
destruction, across United States borders between official ports of entry;
and
WHEREAS,
the United States Border Patrol, the mobile uniformed law enforcement arm of the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was officially established on May 28,
1924, by an act of Congress passed in response to increasing illegal
immigration, and, as mandated by this Act, the small border guard in what was
then the Bureau of Immigration was reorganized into the Border Patrol with an
initial force of 450 officers given the responsibility of combating illegal
entries and the growing business of illegal alien smuggling; and
WHEREAS,
the United States of America was founded on the rule of law that guarantees
principles of freedom, liberty, and national sovereignty; and
WHEREAS,
the national safety and security, as well as those very principles upon which
this nation was founded are being threatened by dangerous, costly, and abusive
actions resulting from illegal entries into the United States; and
WHEREAS,
in response to these threats, more than 80 courageous Patrol Agents have
sacrificed their lives in the line of duty; and
WHEREAS,
absent the protection of United States military on United States borders, the
approximately 11,500 men and women of the United States Border Patrol are
charged with providing crucial support, skills, and expertise to their efforts
to secure the approximately 6,900 miles of American borders and the 95,000 miles
of shoreline; and
WHEREAS,
Patrol Agents are the first line of defense against border violation and also
possess the authority, training, and professional expertise to detect and
apprehend illegal aliens in the United States interior who have successfully
evaded apprehension in the immediate border area; and
WHEREAS,
the Georgia State Senate and the people of Georgia have the greatest pride for
the men and women of the United States Border Patrol.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body express
their deep gratitude to and respect for the men and women of the Border Patrol
and to their families, for all of their efforts and sacrifices, and pray for
their safety and success.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the Honorable George W.
Bush, President of the United States, each member of the Georgia congressional
delegation, Governor Sonny Perdue, and the President of Mexico.